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l/Jf/son  /innt)-- 

BLOWPIPE; 


GUIDE  TO  ITS  USE 


DETERMIKATION  OF  SALTS  AND  imERALS. 


COMPILED  FR03L  YAEIOUS  SOURCES  BY 

GEO.   W.   PLYMPTON,   C.E.,   A.M., 

tKOFESSOR  OF  PHYSICAL  SCIENCE  IN  THE  POLYTECHNIC  INSTITUTE,  BROOKLYN,  N.Y. 


:SrEW  YOEK : 
D.  VAN  NOSTRAND,  PUBLISHER, 

23  MURRAY  AND  27  WARREN  ST. 
181L 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  tlie  year  18T4, 

bt  d.  van  NOSTRAXD, 

In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  'of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS. 


PART  I. 


rxam 
Preface,     .         .        .        • 7 

The  Use  of  the  Blowpipe, •        .        .       9 

Utensils — The  Blowpipe,    .        .        .        . 12 

The  Oil  Lamp, 22 

The  Spirit  Lamp, •        ...     23 

Charcoal  Support       .         .         .         • 24 

Platinum  Supports, 2G 

Iron  Spoons,      .         .        .        ,        ••         ♦        •        .         .         .28 

Glass  Tubes, 28 

Other  Apparatus  necessary,         .        .        .         .        •         .         .         .31 

Thk  ReagexNts, ,        .        .34 

Reagents  of  General  Use, 34 

■  Carbonate  of  Soda, .     84 

Hydrate  of  Baryta, 35 

Bi-sulphate  of  Potassa,      .•.•••••     35 
Oxalate  of  Potassa,    ....  ,        ,        .        «    86 

Cyanide  of  Potassium,       ..•»....    S6 


IV                                               (J  0  N  T 

1-:  NTS. 

PACK 

The  Reagents  — (continued.) 

Nitrate  of  Potassa,    ...•,•,,.     37 

Borax, 

.     38 

MicrocosDiic  Salt, 

.     39 

Nitrate  of  Cobalt,      .        .        , 

.     40 

Tin, 

.     41 

Silica,         .... 

.     42 

Test  Papers, 

.     42 

Especial  Reagents,         .        .        , 

.     43 

Boracic  Acid,    .... 

.     43 

Fluorspar,           .         .        , 

.     43 

Oxalate  of  Xickel,      . 

.     43 

Oxide  of  Copper, 

.    43 

Antimoniate  of  Potassa,    . 

.    44 

Silver  Foil, 

.         .     44 

Kitroprusside  of  Sodium,  .        , 

.     44 

PART    II. 

Initiatory  Analysis, 47 

Examination  with  the  Glass  Bulb, 47 

"           in  the  Open  Tube, 52 

"           upon  Charcoal, 55 

"           in  the  Platinum  Forceps, 61 

"           in  the  Borax  Bead, 69 

"           in  Microcosmic  Salt, 72 

Table  I. — Colors  of  Beads  of  Borax  and  Microcosmic  Salt,        .         .75 
Table  II. — Behavior  of  Metallic  Oxydes  with  Borax  and  Microcosmic 

Salt, .        .  85 

Examinations  with  Carbonate  of  Soda, 103 


Contents 


PART    III. 

PAGE 

The  DETERMrNATiOiSr  of  Minebals  by  the  Aid  of   the 
Blowpipe 105 

Table  of  Reactions  : 

I.  The  substance  reduced  to  a  powder  is  placed  upon  Cliar- 

coal  and  heated  with  the  blowpipe  flame  .        .        .109 

1.  It  volatilizes  or  burns 109 

2.  It  yields  an  alliaceous  odor 113 

3.  It  yields  the  odor  of  decayed  horse-radish        .        .115 

4.  It  gives  off  fumes  of  antimony 115 

5.  It  forms  upon  the  charcoal  a  whitish  coating,  which 

tinges  the  reduction  flame  green   .         .        .         .118 

6.  The  residue  has  an  alkaline  reaction        .        .        .119 

7.  The  residue  is  magnetic 123 

II.  The  substance  mixed  with  the  Carbonate  of  Soda  is  placed 

upon  Charcoal  and  heated  in  the  reduction  flame      .    125 

1.  The  fused  mass  gives  the  sulphur  reaction  upon  sil- 

ver.    There  is  also  a  metallic  globule    .        .        .     125 

2.  The  fused  mass  gives  the  sulphur  reaction,  but  no 

metallic  globule 128 

3.  The  fused  mass  does  not  afford  the  sulphur  reaction, 

but  yields  a  metallic  bead 130 

III.  The  Borax  Bead  is  violet  in  the  exterior  flame     .        .     134 

1.  Minerals  with  metallic  lustre 134 

2.  Minerals  without  metallic  lustre        ....    135 

IV.  The  pulverized  substance,  heated  with  Cobalt  solution, 

exhibits  a  green  color 137 

V.  The  substance  dissolves  completely  in  Hydrochloric  Acid    137 

1.  It  is  fusible  before  the  blowpipe       ....    137 

2.  It  is  infusible  before  the  blowpipe    ....     139 


vi  Contents. 

FAGE 

Table  of  Reactions— (Continued.) 

VI.  The  substance  is  partially  dissolved  in  llydrocLloric 

Acid,  forming  a  gelatinous  mass        ....  141 

1.  Fusible  before  the  blowpipe 141 

2.  Infusible  before  the  blowpipe 144 

VII.  The  substance  dissolves  in  Hydrochloric  Acid,  leaving 

a  residue  of  Silica,  but  not  in  a  gelatinous  form        ,     145 

1.  Anhydrous  bodies 145 

2.  Hydrates .        .147 

VIII.  The  substance  is  insoluble  in  Hydrochloric  Acid,  and 
yields  in  the  microcosmic  salt  bead  a  skeleton  of  Silica    149 

1.  It  is  fusible  before  the  blowpipe 

2.  It  is  infusible 


149 
150 

IX.  Minerals  belonging  to  neither  of  the  preceding  groups     152 

155 
15G 
157 
157 
158 


Appendix  a.  The  flame  of  Lithia  distinguished  from  Strontia 
"         h.  Reaction  of  Manganese  salts  on  Baryta  . 
"         c.  Detection  of  Baryta  in  presence  of  Strontia   . 
'*         d.  Action  of  Baryta  on  Titanic  Acid    . 
*'         e.  Detection  of  minute  quantities  of  Manganese 
"         /.  Method  of  distinguishing  the  Protoxide  of  Iron 

from  the  Sesquioxide  .... 
"         g.  Detection  of  minute  traces  of  Copper     . 
"         7i.  Detection  of  Lead  in  presence  of  Bismuth 
"         ^.  Detection  of  Antimony  in  tube  sublimates 
"         j.  Chlorate  of  Potassa  as  a  reagent     , 
**         k.  Iridium  and  its  Oxide      .... 


158 
159 
159 
160 
161 
162 


PREFACE 


The  following  pages  have  been  compiled  from  such 
avai-lable  material  as  seemed  best  adapted  to  the  needs  of 
the  beginner  in  the  use  of  the  blowpipe. 

Parts  I  and  II  have  been  adapted  with  but  few  emenda- 
tions from  the  work  of  Sheerer  and  Blanford.  The  altera- 
tions have  chiefly  been  in  the  chemical  symbols,  the  new 
nomenclature  replacing  the  old. 

Part  III  is  translated  from  "  Guide  Pratique  pour  la 
Determination  des  Mineraux,"  par  Aug.  Gnerout ;  the  orig- 
inal was  written  by  Dr.  Fuchs  of  Heidelberg.  In  place  of 
the  complex  chemical  formulas  of  the  French  and  German 
works,  I  have,  in  consequence  of  the  elementary  character 
of  the  book,  preferred  to  give  the  chemical  names. 

As  a'convenient  guide  to  the  learner,  this  compilation  is 
offered  to  scientific  students. 

Geo,  W.  Pltmptoi^. 


PoLYTEcnNic  Institute 


Brooklyn,  July,  1874 


:e,) 


THE     BLOWPIPE. 


Part   First, 


THE   USE   OF   THE   BLOWPIPE. 

Perhaps  during  the  last  fifty  years,  no  department  of  chem« 
istry  has  been  so  enriched  as  that  relating  to  analysis  by  means 
of  the  Blowpipe. 

Through  the  unwearied  exertions  of  men  of  science,  the  use 
of  this  instrument  has  arrived  to  such  a  degree  of  perfection, 
that  we  have  a  right  to  term  its  use,  "  Analysis  in  the  dry 
way,"  in  contradistinction  to  analysis  "  in  the  wet  way."  The 
manipulations  are  so  simple  and  expeditious,  and  the  results  so 
clear  and  characteristic,  that  the  Blowpipe  analysis  not  only 
verifies  and  completes  the  results  of  analysis  in  the  wet  way, 
but  it  gives  in  many  cases  direct  evidences  of  the  presence  or 
absence  of  many  substances,  which  would  not  be  otherwise 
detected,  but  through  a  troublesome  and  tedious  process) 
involving  both  prolixity  and  time  ;  for  instance,  the  detection 
of  manganese  in  minerals. 

Many  substances  have  to  go  through  Blowpipe  manipulations 
before  they  can  be  submitted  to  an  analysis  in  the  wet  way. 

1* 


10  T  II  E     Blowpipe. 

The  apparatus  and  reagents  employed  are  compendious  and 
small  in  number,  so  that  they  can  be  carried  easily  while  on 
scientific  excursions,  a  considerable  advantage  for  mineralogists 
and  metallurgists. 

The  principal  operations  with  the  Blowpipe  may  be  ex- 
plained briefly  as  follows  : 

(a.)  By  Ignition  is  meant  the  exposure  of  a  substance  to 
such  a  degree  of  heat,  that  it  glows  or  emits  light,  or  becomes 
red-hot.  Its  greatest  value  is  in  the  separation  of  a  volatile 
substance  from  one  less  volatile,  or  one  which  is  entirely  fixed 
at  the  temperature  of  the  flame.  In  this  case  we  only  take 
cognizance  of  the  latter  or  fixed  substance,  although  in  many 
instances  we  make  use  of  ignition  for  the  purpose  of  changing 
the  conditions  of  a  substance,  for  example,  the  sesqui-oxide 
of  chromium  (Cr^O^)  in  its  insoluble  modification  ;  and  as  a 
preliminary  examination  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  whether 
the  subject  of  inquiry  be  a  combination  of  an  organic  or  inor- 
ganic nature. 

The  apparatus  used  for  this  purpose  are  crucibles  of  pla- 
tinum or  silver,  platinum  foil,  a  platinum  spoon,  platinum  wire 
or  tongs,  charcoal,  glass  tubes,  and  iron  spoons. 

(J).)  Sublimation  is  that  process  by  which  we  convert  a  solid 
substance  into  vapor  by  means  of  a  strong  heat.  These  vapors 
are  condensed  by  refrigeration  into  the  solid  form.  It  may  be 
termed  a  distillation  of  a  solid  substance.  Sublimation  is  of 
great  consequence  in  the  detection  of  many  substances  ;  for 
nstance,  arsenic,  antimony,  mercury,  etc. 

The  apparatus  used  for  the  purposes  of  sublimation  consist 
of  glass  tubes  closed  at  one  end. 

(c.)  Fusion. — Many  substances  when  exposed  to  a  certain 
Cegree  of  heat  lose  their  solid  form,  and  are  converted  into 
a  liquid.  Those  substances  which  do  not  become  converted 
into  the  liquid  state  by  heat,  are  said  to  be  infusible.  It  is  a 
convenient  classification  to  arrange  substances  into  those  which 
are  fusible  vrith  difficulty,  and  those  which  are  easily  fusible. 
Very  often  we  resort  to  fusion  for  the  purpose  of  decomposing  a 


I  T  S      U  S  E  .  11 

substance,  or  to  cause  it  to  enter  into  other  combinations,  by 
which  means  it  is  the  more  readily  detected.  If  insoluble  sub- 
stances are  fused  with  others  more  fusible  (reagents)  for  the 
purpose  of  causing  a  combination  which  is  soluble  in  water  and 
acids,  the  operation  is  termed  unclosing.  These  substances  are 
particularly  the  silicates  and  the  sulphates  of  the  alkaline 
earths.  The  usual  reagents  resorted  to  for  this  purpose  are 
carbonate  of  soda  (NaaCOg),  carbonate  of  potash  (KoCOg), 
or  still  better,  a  mixture  of  the  two  in  equal  parts.  In  some 
cases  we  use  the  hydrate  of  barytes  [Ba(II0)2]  and  the  bisul- 
phate  of  potash  (KHSO4).  The  platinum  spoon  is  generally 
used  for  this  manipulation. 

Substances  are  exposed  to  fusion  for  the  purpose  of  getting 
a  new  combination  Avhich  has  such  distinctive  characteristics 
that  we  can  class  it  under  a  certain  group  ;  or  for  the  pur- 
pose of  ascertaining  at  once  what  the  substance  may  be.  The 
re-agents  used  for  this  purpose  are  borax  [NaH(B02)2]  and 
the  microcosmic  salt  (Na,  NIL,  IIPO4).  Charcoal  and  the 
platinum  wire  are  used  as  supports  for  this  kind  of  opera- 
tion. 

{d.)  Oxidation. — The  chemical  combination  of  any  substance 
with  oxygen  is  termed  oxidation,  and  the  products  are  termed 
oxides.  As  these  oxides  have  qualities  differing  from  those 
which  are  non-oxidized,  it  therefore  frequently  becomes  neces- 
sary to  convert  substances  into  oxides  ;  or,  if  they  are  such, 
of  a  lower  degree,  to  convert  them  into  a  higher  degree  of 
oxidation.  These  different  states  of  oxidation  frequently  pre- 
sent characteristic  marks  of  identity  sufficient  to  enable  us  to 
draw  conclusions  in  relation  to  the  substance  under  examina- 
tion. For  instance,  the  oxidation  of  manganese,  of  arsenic,  etc. 
The  conditions  necessary  for  oxidation,  are  high  temperature 
and  the  free  admission  of  air  to  the  substance. 

If  the  oxidation  is  effected  through  the  addition  of  a  sub- 
stance containing  oxygen  (for  instance,  the  nitrate  or  chlorate 
of  potash)  and  the  heating  is  accompanied  by  a  lively  defla- 
gration and  crackling  noise,  it  is    termed  detonation:     By  this 


12  T  11  E     B  L  o  w  r  I  p  E  . 

process  we  frequeutly  effect  the  oxidation  of  a  substance,  and 
thus  we  prove  the  presence  or  the  absence  of  a  certain  class 
of  substances.  For  mstance,  if  we  detonate  (as  it  is  termed 
by  the  German  chemists)  the  sulphide  of  antimony,  or  the 
sulphide  of  arsenic  with  nitrate  of  potash,  we  get  the  nitrate 
of  antimony,  or  the  nitrate  of  arsenic.  The  salts  of  nitric  or 
chloric  acid  are  determined  by  fusing  them  with  the  cyanide 
of  potassium,  because  the  salts  of  these  acids  detonate. 

(e.)  Reduction. — If  we  deprive  an  oxidized  substance  of  its 
oxygen,  we  term  the  process  reduction.  This  is  effected  by 
fusing  the  substance  under  examination  with  another  which 
possesses  a  greater  affinity  for  oxygen.  The  agents  used 
for  reduction  are  hydrogen,  charcoal,  soda,  cyanide  of  potas- 
sium, etc.  Substances  generally,  when  in  the  unoxidized  state, 
have  such  characteristic  quaUties,  that  they  cannot  very  readily 
be  mistaken  for  others.  For  this  reason,  reduction. is  a  very 
excellent  expedient  for  the  purpose  of  discerning  and  classifying 
many  substances. 


B.    UTENSILS. 

We  shall  give  here  a  brief  description  of  the  most  necessary 
apparatus  used  for  analysis  in  the  dry  way,  and  of  their  use. 

The  Blowpipe  is  a  small  instrument,  made  generally  out  of 
brass,  silver,  or  German  silver,  and  was  principally  used  in  ear- 
lier times  for  the  purpose  of  soldering  small  pieces  of  metals 
together.  It  is  generally  made  in  the  form  of  a  tube,  bent  at 
a  right  angle,  but  without  a  sharp  corner.  The  largest  one  is 
about  seven  inches  long,  and  the  smallest  about  two  inches. 
The  latter  one  terminates  with  a  small  point,  with  a  small 
orifice.  The  first  use  of  the  blowpipe  that  we  have  recorded 
is  that  of  a  Swedish  mining  officer,  who  used  it  in  the  year  1738 
for  chemical  purposes,  but  we  have  the  most  meagre  accounts 
of  his  operations.  In  IT 58  another  Swedish  mining  officer,  by 
the  name  of  Cronstedt,  published  his  "  Use  of  the  Blowpipe  in 


Its     Use 


i; 


Chemistry  and  Mineralogy,"  translated  into  English,  in  IT  TO, 
by  Van  Engestroem.  Bergman  extended  its  use,  and  after 
him  Ghan  and  the  venerable  Berzelius 
Q821).  The  blowpipe  most  generally 
used  in  chemical  examinations  is  com- 
posed of  the  folio  wing  parts  :  {Fig.  1.) 
A  is  a  little  reservoir  made  air-tight  by 
grinding  the  part  B  into  it.  This  re- 
servoir serves  the  purpose  of  retaining 
the  moisture  with  which  the  air  from 
the  mouth  is  charged.  A  small  coni- 
cal tube  is  fitted  to  this  reservoir. 
This  tube  terminates  in  a  fine  ori- 
fice. As  this  small  point  is  liable  to 
get  clogged  up  with  soot,  etc.,  it  is  bet- 
ter that  it  should  be  made  of  platinum, 
so  that  it  may  be  ignited.  Two  of 
these  platinum  tubes  should  be  suppUed, 
differing  in  the  size  of  the  orifice,  by 
•which  a  stronger  or  lighter  current 
of  flame  may  be  projected  from  it. 
Metals,  such  as  brass  or  German  sil- 
ver, are  very  liable  to  become  dirty 
through  oxidation,  and  when  placed 
between  the  lips  are  liable  to  im- 
part a  disagreeable  taste.  To  avoid 
this,  the  top  of  the  tube  must  be  sup- 
plied with  a  mouthpiece  of  ivory 
or  horn  C.  The  blowpipe  here  repre- 
sented is  the  one  used  by  Ghan,  and 
approved  by  Berzelius.  The  trumpet  mouthpiece  was  adopted 
by  Plattner ;  it  is  pressed  upon  the  lips  while  blowing,  which 
is  less  tiresome  than  holding  the  mouthpiece  between  the  lips, 
although  many  prefer  the  latter  mode. 

Dr.  Black's  blowpipe  is  as  good  an  instrument  and  cheaper. 


14: 


T  11  i:     ]j  L  ()  w  1'  I  p  K 


It  consists  of  tv.'o  tubes,  soldered  at  a,  riglit  angle  ;  the  larger 
one,  into  which  tJie  air  is  blown,  is  of  sufficient  capacity  to 
serve  as  a  reservoir. 

A  chemist  can,  with  a  blowpipe  and  a  piece  o?  charcoal, 
determine  many  substances  without  any  reagents,  thus  enabling 
him,  even  when  travelling,  to  make  useful  investigations  with 
means  which  are  always  at  his  disposal.  There  are  pocket 
blowpipes  as  portable  as  a  pencil  case,  such  as  Wollaston's 
and  Mitscherlich's  ;  these  are  objectionable  for  continued 
use  as  tjieir  construction  requires  the  use  of  a  metallic 
mouthpiece.  Mr.  Casamajor,  of  New  York,  has  made  one 
lately  which  has  an  ivory  mouthpiece,  and  which,  when  in  use, 
is  like  Dr.  Black's. 

The  length  of  the  blowpipe  is  generally  seven  or  eight 
inches,  but  this  depends  very  much  upon  the  visual  angle  of 


the    operators.      A    short-sighted    person,    of    cours?,    v/ould 


I  T  S      U  S  E  .  15 

require  an  instrument  of  less  length  than  would  suit  a  far- 
sighted  person. 

The  purpose  required  of  the  blowpipe  is  to  introduce  a  fine 
current  of  air  into  the  flame  of  a  candle  or  lamp,  bj  which  a 
higher  degree  of  heat  is  induced,  and  consequently  combustion 
is  more  rapidly  accomplished. 

By  inspecting  the  flame  of  a  candle  burning  under  usual 
circumstances,  we  perceive  at  the  bottom  of  the  flame  a  por- 
tion which  is  of  a  light  blue  color  {a  h),  Fig.  2,  which  gra- 
dually diminishes  in  size  as  it  recedes  from  the  wick,  and  disap- 
pears when  it  reaches  the  perpendicular  side  of  the  flame.  In 
the  midst  of  the  flame  there  is  a  dark  nucleus  with  a  conical 
form  (c).  This  is  enveloped  by  the  illuminating  portion  of  the 
flame  {d).  At  the  exterior  edge  of  the  part  d  we  perceive  a 
thin,  scarcely  visible  veil,  a,  e,  c,  which  is  broader  near  the 
apex  of  the  flame.  The  action  of  the  burning  candle  may  be 
thus  explained.  The  radiant  heat  from  the  flame  melts  the 
tallow  or  wax,  which  then  passes  up  into  the  texture  of  the 
wick  by  capillary  attraction  until  it  reaches  the  glowing  wick, 
vv^liere  the  heat  decomposes  the  combustible  matter  into  cnr- 
buretted  hydrogen  (C^II^),  and  into  carbonic  oxide  (CO). 

While  these  gases  are  rising  in  hot  condition,  the  air  comes 
in  contact  with  them  and  effects  their  combustion.  The  dark 
portion,  c,  of  the  flame  is  where  the  carbon  and  gases  have  not 
a  suSiciency  of  air  for  their  thorough  combustion  ;  but  gra- 
dually they  become  mixed  with  air,  although  not  then  sufficient 
for  complete  combustion.  The  hydrogen  is  first  oxidized  or 
burnt,  and  then  the  carbon  is  attacked  by  the  air,  although  par- 
ticles of  carbon  are  separated,  and  it  is  these,  in  a  state  of 
intense  ignition,  which  produce  the  illumination.  By  bringing 
any  oxidizable  substance  into  this  portion  of  the  flame,  it  oxi- 
dizes very  quickly  in  consequence  of  the  high  temperature  and 
the  free  access  of  air.  For  that  reason  this  part  of  the 
flame  is  termed  the  oxidizing  flame,  while  the  illuminating  por- 
tion, by  its  tendency  to  abstract  oxygen  for  the  purpose  of 
complete    combustion,     easily    reduces     oxidized    substances 


16  T  II  E       B  L  O  W  P  I  P  K  . 

brought  into  it,  and  it  is,  therefore,  called  the  ilame  of  reduc- 
tion. In  the  oxidizing  flame,  on  the  contrary,  all  the  carbon 
which  exists  in  the  interior  of  the  flame  is  oxidized  into 
carbonic  acid  (CO^)  and  carbonic  oxide  (CO),  while  the 
blue  color  of  the  cone  of  the  flame  is  caused  by  the  complete 
combustion  of  the  carbonic  oxide.  These  two  portions  of  the 
flame — the  oxidizing  and  the  reducing — are  the  principal 
agents  of  blowpipe  analysis. 

If  we  introduce  a  fine  current  of  air  into  a  flame,  we  notice 
the  following  :  The  air  strikes  first  the  dark  nucleus,  and  forc- 
ing the  gases  beyond  it,  mixes  with  them,  by  which  oxygen  is 
mingled  freely  with  them.  This  effects  the  complete  combus- 
tion of  the  gases  at  a  certain  distance  from  the  point  of  the 
blowpipe.  At  this  j^lace  the  flame  has  the  highest  tempera- 
ture, forming  there  the  point  of  a  blue  cone.  The  illuminated 
or  reducing  portion  of  the  flame  is  enveloped  outside  and 
inside  by  a  very  hot  flame,  whereby  its  own  temperature  is  so 
much  increased  that  in  this  reduction-flame  many  substances 
will  undergo  fusion  which  would  prove  perfectly  refractory  in 
a  common  flame.  The  exterior  scarcely  visible  part  loses  its 
form,  is  diminished,  and  pressed  more  to  a  point,  by  which  its 
heating  power  is  greatly  increased. 

The  Blast  of  Air. — By  using  the  blowpipe  for  chemical  pur- 
poses, the  effect  intended  to  be  produced  is  an  uninterrupted 
steady  stream  of  air  for  many  minutes  together,  if  necessary, 
without  an  instant's  cessation.  Therefore,  the  blowing  can 
only  be  effected  with  the  muscles  of  the  cheeks,  and  not  by  the 
exertion  of  the  lungs.  It  is  only  by  this  means  that  a  steady 
constant  stream  of  air  can  be  kept  up,  while  the  lungs  will  not 
be  injured  by  the  deprival  of  air.  The  details  of  the  pro- 
per manner  of  using  the  blowpipe  are  really  more  difficult  to 
describe  than  to  acquire  by  practice  ;  therefore  the  pupil  is 
requested  to  apply  himself  at  once  to  its  practice,  by  which  he 
will  soon  learn  to  produce  a  steady  current  of  air,  and  to  dis- 
tinguish the  different  flames  from  each  other.  We  would 
simply  say  that  the  tongue  must  be  applied  to  the  roof  of  the 


I  T  S     U  S  E  .  17 

mouth,  so  as  to  interrupt  the  commuuicatioa  between  the 
passage  of  the  nostrils  and  the  mouth.  The  operator  now  fills 
his  mouth  with  air,  which  is  to  be  passed  through  the  pipe  by 
compressing  the  muscles  of  the  cheeks,  while  he  breathes 
through  the  nostrils,  and  uses  the  palate  as  a  valve.  When 
the  mouth  becomes  nearly  empty,  it  is  replenished  by  the 
lungs  in  an  instant,  while  the  tongue  is  momentarily  withdrawn 
from  the  roof  of  the  mouth.  The  stream  of  air  can  be  continued 
for  a  long  time,  without  the  least  fatigue  or  injury  to  the  lungs. 
The  easiest  way  for  the  student  to  accustom  himself  to  the 
use  of  the  blowpipe,  is  first  to  learn  to  fill  the  mouth  with  air, 
and  while  the  lips  are  kept  firmly  closed  to  breathe  freely  through 
the  nostrils.  Having  effected  this  much,  he  may  introduce  the 
mouthpiece  of  the  blowpipe  between  his  lips.  By  inflating  the 
cheeks,  and  breathing  through  the  nostrils,  he  will  soon  learn 
to  use  the  instrument  without  the  least  fatigue.  The  air  is 
forced  through  the  tube  against  the  flame  by  the  action  of  the 
muscles  of  the  cheeks,  while  he  continues  to  breathe  without 
interruption  through  the  nostrils.  Having  become  acquainted 
with  this  process,  it  only  requires  some  practice  to  produce  a 
steady  jet  of  flame.  A  defect  in  the  nature  of  the  combustible 
used,  as  bad  oil,  such  as  fish  oil,  or  oil  thickened  by  long  stand- 
ing or  by  dirt,  dirty  cotton  wick,  or  an  untrimmed  one,  or  a 
dirty  wickholder,  or  a  want  of  steadiness  of  the  hand  that 
holds  the  blowpipe,  will  prevent  a  steady  jet  of  flame.  But 
frequently  the  fault  lies  in  the  orifice  of  the  jet,  or  too  small 
a  hole,  or  its  partial  stoppage  by  dirt,  which  will  prevent  a 
steady  jet  of  air,  and  lead  to  difficulty.  With  a  good  blowpipe 
the  air  projects  the  entire  flame,  forming  a  horizontal,  blue 
cone  of  flame,  which  converges  to  a  point  at  about  an  inch  from 
the  wick,  with  a  larger,  longer,  and  more  luminous  flame 
enveloping  it,  and  terminating  to  a  point  beyond  that  of  the 
blue  flame. 

To  produce  an  efficient  flame  of  oxidation,  put  the  point 
of  the  blowpipe  into  the  flame  about  one  third  the  diameter 
of  the  wick,  and  about  one  twelfth  of  an  inch  above  it.     This, 


IS 


The     U  l  o  w  p I p  e  . 


however,  depends  upon  the  size  of  the  flame  used.  Blow  strong 
cnougli  to  keep  the  flame  straight  and  horizontal,  using  the 
largest  orifice  for  the  purpose.  Upon  examining  the  flame 
thus  produced,  we  will  observe  a  long,  blue  flame,  a  h,  Fig.  3, 
which  letters  correspond  with  the  same  letters  in  Fig.  2,  But 
this  flame  has  changed  its  form,  and  contains  all  the  combus- 
tible gases.  It  forms  now  a  thin,  blue  cone,  which  converges 
to  a  point  about  an  inch  from  the  wick.     This  point  of  the 


flame  possesses  the  highest  intensity  of  temperature,  for  there 
the  combustion  of  the  gases  is  the  most  complete.  In  the 
original  flame,  the  hottest  part  forms  the  external  envelope, 
but  here  it  is  compressed  more  into  a  point,  fonning  the  cone 
of  the  blue  flame,  and  likewise  au  envelope  of  flame  surround- 
ing the  blue  one,  extending  beyond  it  from  a  to  c,  and  present- 
ing a  light  bluish  or  brownish  color.  The  external  flame  has 
the  highest  temperature  at  d,  but  this  decreases  from  d  to  c. 

If  there  is  a  very  high  temperature,  the  oxidation  is  not 
effected  so  readily  in  many  cases,  unless  the  substance  is  removed 
a  little  from  the  flame  ;  but  if  the  heat  be  not  too  high,  it  is 
readilv  oxidized  in  the  flame,  or  near  its  cone.     If  the  current 


I  T  S       U  S  E  .  IS 

of  air  is  blown  too  freely  or  violently  into  the  flame,  more  air  is 
forced  there  than  is  sufficient  to  consume  the  gases.  This 
superfluous  air  only  acts  detrimentally,  by  cooling  the  flame. 

In  general  the  operation  proceeds  best  when  the  substance  is 
kept  at  a  dull  red  heat.  The  blue  cone  must  be  kept  free  from 
straggling  rays  of  the  yellow  or  reduction  flame.  If  the  analy- 
sis be  effected  on  charcoal,  the  blast  should  not  be  too  strong, 
as  a  part  of  the  coal  would  be  converted  into  carbonic  oxide, 
which  would  act  antagonistically  to  the  oxidation.  The  oxida- 
tion flame  requires  a  steady  current  of  air,  for  the  purpose  of 
keeping  the  blue  cone  constantly  of  the  same  length.  For  the 
purpose  of  acquiring  practice,  the  following  may  be  done  : 
Melt  a  little  molybdic  acid  with  some  borax,  upon  a  platinum 
wire,  about  the  sixteenth  of  an  inch  from  the  point  of  the  blue 
cone.  In  the  pure  oxidation  flame,  a  clear  yellowish  glass  is 
•formed  ;  but  as  soon  as  the  reduction  flame  reaches  it,  or  the 
point  of  the  blue  cone  touches  it,  the  color  of  the  bead  changes 
to  a  brown,  which,  finally,  after  a  little  longer  blowing,  becomes 
quite  dark,  and  loses  its  transparency.  The  cause  of  this  is, 
that  the  molybdic  acid  is  very  easily  reduced  to  a  lower 
degree  of  oxidation,  or  to  the  oxide  of  molybdenum.  The 
flame  of  oxidation  will  again  convert  this  oxide  into  the  acid, 
and  this  conversion  is  a  good  test  of  the  progress  of  the  student 
in  the  use  of  the  blowpipe.  In  cases  where  we  have  to  sepa- 
rate a  more  oxidizable  substance  from  a  less  one,  we  use  with 
success  the  blue  cone,  particularly  if  we  wish  to  determine  whe- 
ther a  substance  has  the  quality,  when  submitted  to  heat  in  the 
blue  cone,  of  coloring  the  external  flame. 

A  good  reduction  flame  can  be  obtained  by  the  use  of  a  small 
orifice  at  the  point  of  the  blowpipe.  In  order  to  produce  such 
a  flame,  hold  the  point  of  the  blowpipe  higher  above  the  wick, 
while  the  nozzle  must  not  enter  the  flame  so  far  as  in  the  pro- 
duction of  the  oxidation  flame.  The  point  of  the  blowpipe 
should  only  touch  the  flame,  while  the  current  of  air  blown  into 
it  must  be  stronger  than  into  the  oxidation  flame.  If  we  pro- 
ject a  stream,  in  the  manner  mentioned,  into  the  flame,  from 


20  T  H  E     13  L  o  w  p  I  r  i: . 

the  smaller  side  of  the  wick  to  the  middle,  we  shall  })erceive  the 
iame  changed  to  a  long,  narrow,  luminous  cone,  a  b,  Fig.  4, 


the  end  a  of  which  is  enveloped  by  the  same  dimly  visible  blue- 
ish  colored  portion  of  the  flame  a,  c,  which  we  perceive  in  the 
original  flame,  with  its  point  at  c.  The  portion  close  above  the 
wick,  presenting  the  dull  appearance,  is  occasioned  by  the  rising 
gases  which  have  not  supplied  to  them  enough  oxygen  to  con- 
sume them  entirely.  The  hydrogen  is  consumed,  while  the 
carbon  is  separated  in  a  state  of  bright  ignition,  and  forms  the 
internal  flame. 

Directly  above  the  wick,  the  combustion  of  the  gases  is  least 
complete,  and  forms  there  likewise,  as  is  the  case  in  the  free 
flame,  a  dark  blue  nucleus  d. 

If  the  oxide  of  a  metal  is  brought  into  the  luminous  portion 
of  the  flame  produced  as  above,  so  that  the  flame  envelopes  the 
substance  perfectly,  the  access  of  air  is  prevented.  The  par- 
tially consumed  gases  have  now  a  strong  affinity  for  oxygen, 
under  the  influence  of  the  intense  heat  of  that  part  of  the  flame. 
The  substance  is  thus  deprived  of  a  part,  or  the  whole,  of  its 
oxygen,  and  becomes  reduced  according  to  the  strength  of  the  affin- 


I  T  S      U  S  E  .  21 

it  J  which  the  wsubstance  itself  has  for  oxygeD.  If  the  reductiou 
of  a  substance  is  undertaken  on  platinum,  by  fusion  with  a  flux, 
and  if  the  oxide  is  difficult  to  reduce,  the  reduction  will  be 
completely  effected  only  in  the  luminous  part  of  the  flame. 
But  if  a  substance  be  reduced  on  charcoal,  the  reduction  will 
take  place  in  the  blue  part  of  the  flame,  as  long  as  the  access  of 
au*  is  cut  off ;  but  it  is  the  luminous  part  of  the  flame  which 
really  possesses  the  greatest  reducing  power. 

The  following  should  be  observed  in  order  to  procure  a  good 
reduction  flame  : 

The  wick  should  not  be  too  long,  that  it  may  make  a  smoke, 
nor  too  short,  otherwise  the  flame  will  be  too  small  to  produce 
a  heat  strong  enough  for  reduction. 

The  wick  must  be  free  from  all  loose  threads,  and  from  char- 
coal. 

The  blast  should  be  continued  for  a  considerable  time  with- 
out intermission,  otherwise  reduction  cannot  be  effected. 

For  the  purpose  of  acquiring  practice,  the  student  may  fuse 
the  oxide  of  manganese  with  borax,  upon  a  platinum  wire,  in 
the  oxidation  flame,  when  a  violet-red  glass  will  be  obtained  ; 
or  if  too  much  of  the  oxide  be  used,  a  glass  of  a  dark  color  and 
opaque  will  be  obtained.  By  submitting  this  glass  to  the 
reduction  flame,  it  will  become  colorless  in  correspondence  to 
the  perfection  with  which  the  flame  is  produced.  Or  a  piece 
of  tin  may  be  fused  upon  charcoal,  and  kept  in  that  state  for  a 
considerable  time,  while  it  presents  the  appearance  of  a  bright 
metal  on  the  surface.  This  will  require  dexterity  in  the  opera- 
tor ;  for,  if  the  oxidation  flame  should  chance  to  touch  the 
bright  metal  only  for  a  moment,  it  is  coated  with  an  infusible 
oxide. 

Combustion. — Any  flame  of  sufficient  size  can  be  used  for 
blowpipe  operations.  It  may  be  either  the  flame  of  a  candle 
of  tallow  or  wax,  or  the  flame  of  a  lamp.  The  flame  of  a  wax 
candle,  or  of  an  oil  lamp  is  most  generally  used.  Sometimes  a 
lamp  is  used  filled  with  a  solution  of  spirits  of  turpentine  in 
strong  alcohol.     If  a  candle  is  used,  it  is  well  to  cut  the  wick 


99. 


T  ir  ]•:     I^>  L  u  ^.v 


!•  I  V  E 


off  short,  and  to  bend  the  wick  a  little  toward  the  substance 
experimented  upon.  But  candles  are  not  the  best  for  blowpipe 
operations,  as  the  radiant  heat,  reflecting  from  the  substance 
upon  the  wax  or  tallow,  will  cause  it  to  melt  and  run  down  the 
side  of  the  candle  ;  while  again,  candles  do  not  give  heat 
enough.  The  lamp  is  much  the  most  desirable.  The  subjoined 
figure,  from  Berzelius,  is  perhaps  the  best  form  of  lamp.     It  is 


Fig.  5. 


made  of  japanned  tin-plate,  about  four  inches  in  leng'th,  and  ha? 


Its     Use. 


23 


the  form  and  arrangement  represented  in  Fig.  5.  K  is  tlie  lamp, 
fastened  on  the  stand,  S,  by  a  screw,  C,  and  is  movable  upwards 
or  downwards,  as  represented  in  the  figure.  The  posterior  end  of 
the  lamp  may  be  about  one  inch  square,  and  at  its  anterior  end,  E, 
about  three-quarters  of  an  inch  square.  The  under  side  of  this  box 
may  be  round,  as  seen  in  the  figure.  The  oil  is  poured  into  the 
orifice,  A,  which  has  a  cap  screwed  over  it.  C  is  a  wick- 
holder  for  a  flat  lamp-wick.  «  is  a  socket  containing  the  wick, 
which,  when  not  in  use,  is  secured  from  dirt  by  the  cap.  The 
figures  B  and  o!  give  the  forms  of  the  cap  and  socket.  The 
best  combustible  for  this  lamp  is  the  refined  rape-seed  oil,  or 
pure  sweet  oil.  When  this  lamp  is  in  use,  there  must  be  no 
loose  threads,  or  no  charcoal  on  the  wick,  or  these  will  produce 
a  smoky  flame.  The  wick,  likewise,  should  not  be  pulled  up 
too  high,  as  the  same  smoky  flame  would  be  produced. 

The  Spirit-Lamp. — This  is  a  short,  strong  glass  lamp,  with 
a  cap,  B,  Fig.  6,  fitted  to  it  by  grinding,  to  prevent  the  cva- 


Fi?.   G. 


poration  cf  the  alcohol, 
of  silver,  or  of  tin  plate, 


The  neck  a  contains  a  tube  C,  made 
ind  which  contains  the  wick.     Brass 


24  The     Blowpipe. 

would  not  answer  so  well  for  this  tube,  as  the  spirits  would 
oxidize  it,  and  thus  impart  color  to  the  flame.  The  wickholder 
must  cover  the  edge  of  the  neck,  but  not  fit  tight  within  the 
tube,  otherwise,  by  its  expansion,  it  will  break  the  glass.  It 
is  not  necessary  that  alcohol,  very  highly  rectified,  should  be 
burnt  in  this  lamp,  although  if  too  much  diluted  with  water, 
enough  heat  will  not  be  given  out.  Alcohol  of  specific  gravity 
0.84  to  0.86  is  the  best. 

This  lamp  is  generally  resorted  to  by  blowpipe  analysts,  for 
the  purpose  of  experiments  in  glass  apparatus,  as  the  oily  com- 
bustibles will  coat  the  glass  with  soot.  Some  substances,  when 
exposed  to  the  dark  part  of  the  flame,  become  reduced  and,  in 
statu  nascendi,  evaporated  ;  but  by  passing  through  the  exter- 
nal part  of  the  flame,  they  become  oxidized  again,  and  impart 
a  color  to  the  flame.  The  spirit  flame  is  the  most  efficient  one 
for  the  examination  of  substances  the  nature  of  which  we  wish 
to  ascertain  through  color  imparted  to  the  flame,  as  that  of 
the  spirit-lamp  being  colorlc:s,  is,  consequently,  most  easily 
and  thoroughly  recognized  by  the  slightest  tinge  imparted  to  it. 

It  is  necessary  that  in  operating  with  such  minute  quanti- 
ties of  substances  as  are  used  in  blowpipe  analysis,  that  they 
should  have  some  appropriate  support.  In  order  that  no  false 
results  may  ensue,  it  is  necessary  that  the  supports  should  be  of 
such  a  nature  that  they  will  not  form  a  chemical  combination 
with  the  substance  while  it  is  exposed  to  fusion  or  ignition. 
Appropriate  supports  for  the  different  blowpipe  experiments  are 
charcoal,  platinum  instruments,  and  glass  tubes. 

(a.)  Charcoal. — The  value  of  charcoal  as  a  support  may  be 
stated  as  follows  : 

1.  The  charcoal  is  infusible,  and  being  a  poor  conductor  of 
heat,  a  substance  can  be  exposed  to  a  higher  degree  of  heat 
upon  it  than  upon  any  other  substance. 

2.  It  is  very  porous,  and  therefore  allows  easily  fusible  sub- 
stances (such  as  alkalies  and  fluxes)  to  pass  into  it,  while  other 
substances  less  fusible,  such  as  metals,  to  remain  unabsorbed. 

3.  It  has  likewise  a  great  reducing  power. 


I  T  S      U  8  E.  25 

The  best  kiad  of  charcoal  is  that  of  pinewood,  linden,  Tvillow, 
or  alderwood,  or  any  other  soft  wood.  Coal  from  the  firwood 
sparkles  too  freely,  while  that  of  the  hard  woods  contains  too 
much  iron  in  its  ashes.  Smooth  pieces,  free  from  bark  and 
knots,  should  be  selected.  It  should  be  thoroughly  burnt,  and 
the  annual  rings  or  growths  should  be  as  close  together  as 
possible. 

If  the  charcoal  is  in  masses,  it  should  be  sawed  into  pieces 
about  six  inches  in  length  by  about  two  inches  broad,  but  so 
tliat  the  year-growths  run  perpendicular  to  the  broadest  side, 
as  the  other  sides,  by  their  unequal  structure,  burn  unevenly. 

That  the  substance  under  examination  may  not  be  carried 
off  by  the  blast,  small  conical  concavities  should  be  cut  in  the 
broad  side  of  the  charcoal,  between  the  year-growths,  with  a 
conical  tube  of  tin  plate  about  two  or  three  inches  long,  and 
one  quarter  of  an  inch  at  one  end,  and  half  an  inch  at  the 
other.  These  edges  are  made  sharp  with  a  file.  The  widest 
end  of  this  charcoal  borer  is  used  for  the  purpose  of  making 
cavities  for  cupeiiation. 

In  places  where  the  proper  kind  of  charcoal  is  difficult  to 
procure,  it  is  economical  to  cut  common  charcoal  into  pieces 
about  an  inch  broad,  and  the  third  of  an  inch  thick.  In  each 
of  these  little  pieces  small  cavities  should  be  cut  with  the  small 
end  of  the  borer.  When  these  pieces  of  charcoal  are  required 
for  use,  they  must  be  fastened  to  a  narrow  slip  of  tin  plate, 
one  end  of  which  is  bent  into  the  form  of  a  hook,  under  which 
the  plate  of  charcoal  is  pushed. 

In  general,  we  use  the  charcoal  support  where  we  wish  to 
reduce  metallic  oxides,  to  prevent  oxidation,  or  to  test  the 
fusibility  of  a  substance.  There  is  another  point  to  which  we 
^^ould  direct  the  student.  Those  metals  which  are  volatile  in 
ih?-  reduction  flame,  appear  as  oxides  in  the  oxidation  flame, 
'rhese  oxides  make  sublimates  upon  the  charcoal  close  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  substance,  or  where  it  rested,  and  by  their  pecu- 
liar  color  indicate  pretty  correctly  the  species  of  minerals  ex- 
perimented upon. 


26  T  II  E    B  L  o  w  p  I  p 


E. 


{b.)  Platinum  Supj^oris. — The  metal  platinum  is  infusible  in 
the  blowpipe  flame,  and  is  such  a  poor  conductor  of  heat  that 
a  strip  of  it  may  be  held  close  to  that  portion  of  it  which  is 
red  hot  without  the  least  inconvenience  to  the  fingers.  It  is 
necessary  that  the  student  should  be  cognizant  of  those  sub- 
stances which  would  not  be  appropriate  to  experiment  upon 
if  placed  on  platinum.  Metals  should  not  be  treated  upon 
platinum  apparatus,  nor  should  the  easily  reducible  oxides, 
sulphides,  nor  chlorides,  as  these  substances  will  combine  with 
the  jDlatinum,  and  thus  render  it  unfit  for  further  use  in  analysis. 

(c.)  Platinum  Wire. — As  the  color  of  the  flame  cannot  be 
well  discerned  when  the  substance  is  supported  upon  charcoal, 
in  consequence  of  the  latter  furnishing  false  colors,  by  its  own 
reflection,  to  the  substances  under  examination^  we  use  plati- 
num wire  for  that  purpose,  when  we  wish  to  examine  those 
substances  which  give  indications  by  the  peculiar  color  which 
they  impart  to  fluxes.  The  wire  should  be  about  as  thick 
as  No.  16  or  18  wire,  or  about  0.4  millimetre,  and 
cut  into  pieces  about  from  two  and  a  half  to  three  inches 
in  length.  The  end  of  each  piece  is  crooked.  In  order 
that  these  pieces  should  remain  clear  of  dirt,  and  ready 
for  use,  they  should  be  kept  in  a  glass  of  water.  To  use 
them,  we  dip  the  wetted  hooked  end  into  the  powdered  flux 
(borax  or  microcosmic  salt)  some  of  which  will  adhere,  when 
we  fuse  it  in  the  flame  of  the  blowpipe  to  a  bead.  This  bead 
hanging  in  the  hook,  must  be  clear  and  colorless.  Should 
there  not  adhere  a  sufficient  quantity  of  the  flux  in  the  first 
trial  to  form  a  bead  sufiiciently  large,  the  hook  must  be  dipped 
a  second  time  in  the  flux  and  again  submitted  to  the  blowpipe 
flame.  To  fix  the  substance  to  be  examined  to  the  bead,  it  is 
necessary,  while  the  latter  is  hot,  to  dip  it  in  the  powdered 
substance.  If  the  hook  is  cold,  we  moisten  the  powder  a  little, 
and  then  dip  the  hook  into  it,  and  then  expose  it  to  the  oxida- 
tion flame,  by  keeping  it  exposed  to  a  regular  blast  until  the 
substance  and  the  flux  are  fused  together,  and  no  further  alter- 
ation is  produced  by  the  flame. 


I  T  S     U  S  E  .  27 

The  platinum  wire  can  be  used  except  v.bero  redaction  to 
the  metallic  state  is  required.  Every  reduction  and  oxidation 
experiment,  if  the  results  are  to  be  known  by  the  color  of  the 
fluxes,  should  be  effected  upon  platinum  wire.  At  the  termina- 
tion of  the  experiment  or  investigation,  if  it  be  one,  to  clean 
the  wire,  place  it  in  water,  which  will  dissolve  the  bead. 

{d.)  Platinum  Foil. — For  the  heating  or  fusing  of  a  substance, 
whereby  its  reduction  would  be  avoided,  we  use  platinum  foil 
as  a  support.  This  foil  should  be  of  the  thickness  of  good 
writing  paper,  and  from  two  and  a  half  to  three  inches  long, 
by  about  half  an  inch  broad,  and  as  even  and  smooth  as  possi- 
ble. If  it  should  become  injured  by  long  use,  cut  the  injured 
end  off,  and  if  it  should  prove  too  short  to  be  held  with  the 
fingers,  a  j^air  of  forceps  may  be  used  to  grasp  it,  or  it  may  be 
placed  on  a  piece  of  charcoal 

(e.)  JPla^num  Spoon. — When  we  require  to  fuse  substances 
with  the  acid  sulphate  of  potash,  or  to  oxidize  them  by 
detonation  with  nitrate  of  potash,  whereby  we  wish  to  preserve 
the  oxide  produced,  we  generally  use  a  little  spoon  of  plati- 
num, about  from  nine  to  fifteen  millimetres  *  in  diameter,  and 
shaped  as  represented  in  Fig.  1.     The  handle  of  this  spoon  is 


Fig.  T. 

likewise  of  platinum,  and  should  fit  into  a  piece  of  cork,  or  be 
held  with  the  forceps. 

(/.)  PlatinuTii  Forceps  or  Tongs. — We  frequently  are  neces- 
sitated to  examine  small  splinters  of  metals  or  minerals 
directly  in  the  blowpipe  flame.  These  pieces  of  metallic  sub- 
stances are  held  with  the  forceps  or  tongs  represented  as  in 

*  The  French  miUimetre  is  about  the  twenty-fifth  part  of  an  English  inch. 


28  T  H  E       B  L  O  V/  P  I  P  E  . 

Fig.   8,  where  a  c  is   formed  of  steel,  and  a  a  are  platinum 


Fig.  8. 


bars  inserted  between  the  steel  plates.  AX  h  h  are  knobs 
which  bj  pressure  so  separate  the  platinum  bars  a  a,  that  any 
small  substance  can  be  inserted  between  them. 

{g.)  Iron  Spoons. — For  a  preliminary  examination  iron  spoons 
are  desirable.  They  may  be  made  of  sheet  iron,  about 
one-third  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  are  very  useful  in  many 
examinations  where  the  use  of  platinum  would  not  be 
desirable. 

(h.)  Glass  Titles. — For  the  separation  and  recognition  of 
volatile  substances  before  the  blowpipe  flame,  we  use  glass 
tubes.  These  should  be  about  one-eighth  of  an  inch  in  diame- 
ter, and  cut  into  pieces  about  five  or  six  inches  in  length. 
These  tubes  should  have  both  ends  open. 

Tubes  are  of  great  value  in  the  examination  of  volatile  sub- 
stances which  require  oxidizing  or  roasting,  and  heating  with 
free  access  of  air.  Also  to  ascertain  whether  a  substance 
under  examination  will  sublimate  volatile  matter  of  a  certain 
appearance.  Such  substances  are  selenium,  sulphur,  arsenic, 
antimony,  and  tellurium.  These  substances  condense  on  a  cool 
part  of  the  tube,  and  they  present  characteristic  appearances,  or 
they  may  be  recognized  by  their  peculiar  smell.  These  tubes 
must  be  made  of  the  best  kind  of  glass,  white  and  difficult  of 
fusion,  and  entirely  free  from  lead.  The  substance  to  be 
examined  must  be  put  in  the  tube  near  one  end,  and  exposed 
to  the  flame  of  the  blowpipe.  The  end  containing  the  sub- 
stance must  be  held  lower  than  the  other  end,  and  must  be 
moved  a  little  over  the  spirit-lamp  before  a  draught  of  air  is 
produced  through  the  tube.  It  is  a  good  plan  to  have  a  number 


I 


T  S 


u 


S  K 


29 


of  these  tubes  on  hand.  After  Iiaving  used  a  tube  we  cut  off 
that  end  of  it  which  contained  the  substance,  with  a  file,  and 
clean  it  from  the  subhmate,  either  by  heating  it  over  the 
spirit-lamp,  or  with  a  piece  of  paper  wound  around  a  wire.  It 
sometimes  happens  that  the  substance  falls  out  of  the  tube 


Fig. 


30 


T  Hi:     B  L  o  ^v  p  i  p  j:: . 


before  it  becomes  sufficiently  melted  to  adhere  to  the  glass. 
To  obviate  this,  we  bend  the  tube  not  far  from  the  end,  at  an 
obtuse  angle,  and  place  the  substance  in  the  angle,  whereby 
the  tube  may  be  lowered  as  m-uch  as  necessary.  Fig.  9  will 
give  the  student  a  comprehension  of  the  processes  described, 
and  of  the  manner  of  bending  the  tubes. 

{i.)  Glass  Tubes  closed  at  one  End. — If  we  wish  to  expose 
volatile  substances  to  heat,  with  the  exclusion  of  air  as  much 
as  possible,  or  to  ascertain  the  contents  of  water,  or  other 
volatile  fluids,  or  for  the  purpose  of  heating  substances  which 
will  decrepitate,  we  use  glass  tubes  closed  at  one  end.  These 
tubes  must  be  about  one-eighth  of  an  inch  wide,  and  from 
two  to  three  inches  in  length.  They  should  be  made  of  white 
glass,  difficult  of  fusion,  and  free  from  lead.  They  should  be 
closed  at  one  end,  as  figured  in  the  margin,  Fig.  10. 


D 


When  a  substance  is  to  be  examined  for  the  purpose  of 


1  T  S       U  S  E  .  31 

ascertaiaiug  whether  it  contains  combustible  matter,  as  sulphur 
or  arsenic,  and  where  we  wish  to  avoid  oxidation,  we  use  these 
tubes  without  extending  the  closed  end,  in  order  that  there 
may  be  as  little  air  admitted  as  possible,  as  is  represented  in 
tube  B.  But  when  a  substance  to  be  examined  is  to  be  tested 
for  water,  or  other  incombustible  volatile  matters,  we  employ 
tubes  with  little  bulbs  blown  at  one  end,  such  as  represented  at 
tube  A.  Here  there  is  room  for  a  circulation  of  air  at  the  bot- 
tom of  the  tube,  by  which  the  volatile  matter  rises  more  easily. 
In  some  cases,  it  is  necessary  to  draw  the  closed  end  out  to  a 
fine  point,  as  in  the  tubes  C  and  D.  Either  one  or  the  other  of 
these  tubes  is  employed,  depending  upon  the  nature  of  the  sub- 
stance used.  The  sublimates  condense  at  the  upper  part  of  the 
tube  a,  and  can  be  there  examined  and  recognized.  These  tubes, 
before  being  used,  must  be  thoroughly  dried  and  cleaned.  In 
experimenting  with  them,  they  should  not  be  exposed  at  once 
to  the  hottest  part  of  the  flame,  but  should  be  submitted  to  the 
heat  gradually.  If  the  substance  is  of  such  a  nature  that  it 
will  sublime  at  a  low  heat,  the  tube  should  be  held  more  hori- 
zontal, while  a  higher  heat  is  attained  by  bringing  the  tube  to 
a  more  vertical  position. 


VARIOUS  APPAKATUS  NECESSARY. 

EdvJcorator  or  IVashing  Bottle. — Take  a  glass  bottle  of  the 
capacity  of  about  twelve  ounces,  and  close  the  mouth  of  it  very 
tight  with  a  cork,  through  which  a  short  glass  tube  is  fitted 
airtight.  The  external  end  of  this  tube  is  drawn  out  to  a 
point,  with  a  very  fine  orifice.  The  bottle  should  be  filled 
about  half  full  of  water.  By  blowing  air  into  the  bottle 
through  the  tube,  and  then  turning  it  downwards,  the  com- 
pressed air  will  expel  a  fine  stream  of  water  through  the  fine 
orifice  with  considerable  force.  We  use  this  washing  bottle. 
Fig.  11,  for  the  purpose  of  rinsing  the  small  particles  of  coal 
from  the  reduced  metals. 


32 


The     B  l  c)  av  pipe 


Fig.  II. 


Agate  Mortar  and  Pestk. — This  mortar  is  used  for  the  pnrpose 
of  pulverizing  hard  substances,  and  for  mixing  fluxes.  As  this 
mortar  will  not  yield  to  abrasion,  there  is  no  danger  of  any 
foreign  matter  becoming  mixed  with  the  substance  pulverized 
in  it.  It  should  be  cleaned  after  use  with  pumice  stone.  Steel 
mortars  are  very  useful  for  the  pulverization  of  hard  bodies  ; 
but  for  all  those  substances  which  require  great  care  in  their 
analysis,  and  which  can  be  obtained  in  very  minute  quantity, 
the  agate  mortar  alone  should  be  used. 

A  hammer  made  of  steel  is  necessary.  This  should  have  the 
edge  square. 

A  small  anvil,  polished  on  the  surface,  is  also  required.  It  is 
frequently  used  to  test  the  malleability  of  metals. 

A  knife,  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  the  hardness  of  mine- 
rals. 

The  student  should  also  be  provided  with  several  three-edged 
files,  and  likewise  with  some  flat  ones. 

A  microscope,  an  instrument  with  two  lenses,  or  with  such  a 
combination  of  lenses,  that  they  may  be  used  double  or  single, 


Its     Use. 


33 


is  frequently  necessary  for  the  examination  of  blowpipe  experi- 
ments, or  the  reaction  of  the  fluxes.  Common  lenses,  howso- 
ever cheap  they  may  be,  are  certainly  not  recommended.  A 
microscope  with  achromatic  lenses  can  now  be  purchased  so 
cheap  that  there  is  no  longer  any  necessity  of  procuring  one 
with  the  common  lens.  Besides,  there  is  no  reliability  w^hatever 
to  be  placed  in  the  revelations  of  the  common  lens  ;  while  on 
the  contrary,  the  deceptive  appearances  which  minute  objects 
assume  beneath  such  lenses  are  more  injurious  than  otherwise. 
A  small  cheap  set  of  magnifying  glasses  are  all  that  is  required 
for  the  purpose  of  blowpipe  analysis,  Fig.  12. 


Fig.  12. 

A  small  magnet  should  be  kept  on  hand,  for  the  purpose  of 
testing  reduced  metals. 

Ni'pjpers,  for  the  purpose  of  breaking  off  pieces  of  minerals 
for  analysis,  without  injuring  the  entire  piece,  are  indispensable, 
Fio;  13. 


Fig.  13. 


A  pair  of  scissors  is  required  to  trim  the  wick  of  the  lamp? 
aci  for  the  trimming  of  the  edge  of  platinum  foil. 


34  The     B  l  o  w  p  i  r  e  . 

A  small  spatula  sLould  be  kept  for  the  purpose  of  mixing 
substances  with  fluxes. 


THE   REAGEXTS. 

Those  substances  which  possess  the  property  of  acting  upon 
other  substances,  in  such  a  characteristic  manner  that  they  can 
be  recognized,  either  by  their  color,  or  by  their  effervescence, 
or  by  the  peculiar  precipitation  produced,  are  termed  reagents. 
The  phenomena  thus  produced  is  termed  reaction.  AVe  use 
those  reagents,  or  tests,  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  the 
presence  or  the  absence  of  certaui  substances,  through  the 
jDCCuliar  phenomena  produced  when  brought  in  contact  with 
them. 

The  number  of  reagents  employed  in  blowpipe  analysis  is  not 
great,  and  therefore  w^e  shall  here  give  a  brief  description  of  their 
preparation  and  use.  It  is  indispensably  necessary  that  they 
should  be  chemically  pure,  as  every  admixture  of  a  foreign  sub- 
stance would  only  produce  a  false  result.  Some  of  them  have 
a  strong  affinity  for  w^ater,  or  are  deliquescent,  and  consequently 
absorb  it  greedily  from  the  air.  These  must  be  kept  in  glass 
bottles,  with  glass  stoppers,  fitted  air-tight  by  grinding. 

A.    REAGENTS    OF    GENERAL   USE. 

1.  Carhonate  of  Soda. — (NaoCOg).  Wash  the  bicarbonate 
of  soda  (XaHCOg)  upon  a  filter,  with  cold  water,  until  the 
filtrate  ceases  to  give,  after  neutralization  wdth  diluted  nitric 
acid  (HXO3),  a  precipitate  with  nitrate  of  baryta,  Ba(jSr03)2, 
or  nitrate  of  silver  (AgXOg).  That  left  upon  the  filter  we 
make  red  hot  in  a  platinum,  silver,  or  porcelain  dish.  One 
atom  of  carbonic  acid  is  expelled,  and  the  residue  is  carbonate 
of  soda. 

A  solution  of  soda  must  not  be  changed  by  the  addition  of 
sulphide  of  ammonium.  And  when  neutralized  wdth  hydro- 
chloric acid,  and  evaporated  to  dryness,  and  again  dissolved 
in  water,  there  must  be  no  residue  left. 


I  T  S      U  S  E  .      -  35 

Carbonate  of  soda  is  an  excellent  agent  in  reduction,  in 
consequence  of  its  easy  fusibility,  whereby  it  causes  the  close 
contact  of  the  oxides  with  the  charcoal  support,  so  that  the 
blowpipe  flame  can  reach  every  part  of  the  substance  under 
examination. 

For  the  decomposition  and  determination  of  insoluble  sub- 
stances, particularly  the  silicates,  carbonate  of  soda  is  indis- 
pensable. But  for  the  latter  purpose,  we  use  with  advantage 
i\  mixture  of  ten  parts  of  soda  and  thirteen  parts  of  dry  car- 
bonate of  potash,  which  mixture  fuses  more  easily  than  the 
carbonate  of  soda  alone. 

2.  Hydrate  of  Baryta,  Ba(H0)2. — This  salt  is  used  some- 
times  for  the  detection  of  alkalies  in  silicates.  Mix  one  part 
of  the  substance  with  about  four  parts  of  the  hydrate  of  baryta, 
and  expose  it  to  the  blowpipe  flame.  The  hydrate  of  baryta 
combines  with  the  silicic  acid,  and  forms  the  super-basic  silicate 
of  baryta,  while  the  oxides  become  free.  The  fused  mass  must 
be  dissolved  in  hydrochloric  acid,  which  converts  the  oxides 
into  chlorides.  Evaporate  to  dryness,  and  dissolve  the  residue 
in  water.     The  silicic  acid  remains  insoluble. 

The  hydrate  of  baryta  is  prepared  by  mixing  six  parts  of 
finely  powdered  heavy-spar  (BaSOJ  with  one  part  of  char- 
coal and  one  and  a  half  parts  of  wheat  flour,  and  exposing 
this  mixture  in  a  Hessian  crucible  with  a  cover  to  a  strong  and 
continuous  red  heat.  The  cooled  chocolate-brown  mass  must 
be  boiled  with  twenty  parts  of  water,  and,  while  boiling,  there 
must  be  added  the  oxide  of  copper  in  sufficient  quantity,  or 
until  the  liquid  will  not  impart  a  black  color  to  a  solution  of 
acetate  of  lead  (PbA.)  The  liquid  must  be  filtered  while 
hot,  and  as  it  cools  the  hydrate  of  baryta  appears  in  crystals. 
These  crystals  must  be  washed  with  a  little  cold  water,  and 
then  heated  at  a  low  temperature  in  a  porcelain  dish  until  the 
crystal  water  is  expelled.  The  hydrate  of  baryta  melts  by  a 
low  red  heat  without  losing  its  water  of  hydration. 

3,  JBisulphate  of  Potassa  (KHSO4). — At  a  red  heat  the 
}\alf  of  the  sulphuric  acid  of  this  salt  becomes  free,  and  thus 


36  T  ir  E     B  I.  o  w  r  i  r  i: . 

separates  and  expels  volatile  substances,  by  wliicli  we  can 
recognize  lithium,  boracic  acid,  nitric  acid,  fluoric  acid,  bromine, 
iodine,  chlorine  ;  or  it  decomposes  and  reveals  some  other 
conjpounds,  as,  for  instance,  the  salts  of  the  titanic,  tantalio 
and  tungstic  acids.  The  bisulphate  of  potash  is  also  used  for 
the  purpose  of  converting  a  substance  into  sulphate,  or  to  free 
it  at  once  from  certain  constituents.  These  sulphates  are  dis- 
solved in  water,  by  which  we  are  enabled  to  effect  the  sepa- 
ration of  its  various  constituents. 

Preparation. — Two  parts  of  coarsely  powdered  sulphate  of 
potash  are  placed  in  a  porcelain  crucible,  and  one  part  of  pure 
sulphuric  acid  is  poured  over  it.  Expose  this  to  heat  over  the 
spirit-lamp,  until  the  whole  becomes  a  clear  liquid.  The  cooled 
mass  must  be  of  a  pure  white  color,  and  may  be  got  out  of  the 
crucible  by  inverting  it.     It  must  be  kept  in  a  fine  powder. 

4.  Oxalate  of  Potassa  (KG).- — Dissolve  bioxalate  of  pot- 
ash in  vfater,  and  neutralize  with  carbonate  of  potash.  Evapo- 
rate the  solution  at  a  low  heat  to  dryness,  stirring  constantly 
towards  the  close  of  the  operation.  The  dry  residue  is  to  be 
kept  in  the  form  of  a  powder. 

The  oxalate  of  potash,  at  a  low  red  heat,  eliminates  a  consid- 
erable quantity  of  carbonic  oxide,  which,  having  a  strong 
affinity  for  oxygen,  with  which  it  forms  carbonic  acid,  it  is 
therefore  a  powerful  agent  of  reduction.  It  is  in  many  cases 
preferable  to  carbonate  of  soda. 

5.  Cyanide  of  Potassiuni  (Cy,  K). — In  the  dry  method  of 
analysis,  this  salt  is  one  of  the  most  efficient  agents  for  the 
reduction  of  metaUic  oxides.  It  separates  not  only  the  metals 
from  their  oxygen  compounds,  but  likewise  from  their  sulphur 
compounds,  while  it  is  converted  through  the  action  of  the 
oxygen  into  carbonate  of  potash,  or,  in  the  latter  case,  combines 
with  the  sulphur  and  forms  the  sulphureted  cyanide  of  potassium. 
This  separation  is  facilitated  by  its  easy  fusibility.  But  in 
many  cases  it  melts  too  freely,  and  therefore  it  is  better  to  mix 
it,  for  blowpipe  analysis,  with  an  equal  quantity  of  soda.  This 
mixture  has  great  powers   of  reduction,   and  it  is   easily  ab- 


I  T  S     U  S  E  .  37 

sorbed  by  the  charcoal,  ^vhile  the  globules  of  reduced  metal 
are  visible  in  the  greatest  purity. 

Preparation.  —  Deprive  the  ferrocyauide  of  potassium 
(K4FeCy6)  of  its  water  by  heating  it  over  the  spirit-lamp 
in  a  porcelain  dish.  Mix  eight  parts  of  this  anhydrous  sail 
with  three  parts  of  dry  carbonate  of  potash,  and  fuse  the 
mixture  by  a  low  red  heat  in  a  Hessian,  or  still  better,  in  an 
iron  crucible  with  a  cover,  until  the  mass  flows  quiet  and  clear, 
and  a  sample  taken  up  with  an  iron  spatula  appears  perfectly 
white.  Pour  the  clear  mass  out  into  a  china  or  porcelain  dish 
or  an  iron  plate,  but  with  caution  that  the  fine  iron  par- 
ticles which  have  settled  to  the  bottom,  do  not  mix  with  it. 
The  white  fused  mass  must  be  powdered,  and  kept  from 
the  air.  The  cyanide  of  potassium  thus  prepared,  contains 
some  of  the  cyanate  of  potassa,  but  the  admixture  does  not 
deteriorate  it  for  blowpipe  use.  It  must  be  perfectly  white, 
free  from  iron,  charcoal,  and  sulphide  of  potassium.  The  solu- 
tion of  it  in  water  must  give  a  white  precipitate  with  a  solution 
of  lead,  and  v/hen  neutralized  with  hydrochloric  acid,  and 
evaporated  to  dryness,  it  must  not  give  an  insoluble  residue  by 
dissolving  it  again  in  v/ater. 

6.  Nitrate  of  Potassa,  SoJtpdre  (KXOo).  —  Saturate  boil- 
ing water  with  commercial  saltpetre,  filter  while  hot  in  a 
beaker  glass,  which  is  to  be  placed  in  cold  water,  and  stir 
while  the  solution  is  cooling.  The  greater  part  of  the  salt- 
petre will  crystallize  in  very  fine  crystals.  Place  these  crystals 
upon  a  filter,  and  wash  them  with  a  little  cold  vv^ater,  until  a 
solution  of  nitrate  of  silver  ceases  to  exhibit  any  reaction  upon 
the  filtrate.     These  crystals  must  be  dried  and  powdered. 

Saltpetre,  when  heated  with  substances  easy  of  oxidation, 
yields  its  oxygen  quite  readily,  and  is,  therefore,  a  powerful 
means  of  oxidation.  In  blowpipe  analysis,  we  use  it  particu- 
larly to  convert  sulphides  (as  those  of  arsenic,  antimony,  &c.) 
into  oxides  and  acids.  We  furthermore  use  saltpetre  for  the 
purpose  of  producing  a  complete  oxidation  cf  small  quantities 
of  metallic  oxides,  which  oxidize  with  difficulty  in  the  oxidation 


38  T  II  K     B  L  o  w  p  I  r  E . 

flame,  so  that  the  color  of  the  bead,  iu  its  highest  state  of  oxi- 
dation, shall  be  visible,  as  for  instance,  manganese  dissolved  in 
the  microcosmic  salt. 

7.  Biborate  of  soda,  horax  —  Xall(BOo),,.  —  Commercial 
borax  is  seldom  pure  enough  for  a  reagent.  A  solution  of 
borax  must  not  give  a  precipitate  with  carbonate  of  potassa  •, 
or,  after  the  addition  of  dilute  nitric  acid,  it  must  remain  clear 
upon  the  addition  of  nitrate  of  silver,  or  nitrate  of  baryta.  Or 
a  small  piece  of  the  dry  salt,  fused  upon  a  platinum  wire,  must 
give  a  clear  and  uncolored  glass,  as  well  in  the  oxidation  flame 
as  in  the  reduction  flame.  If  these  tests  indicate  a  foreign 
admixture,  the  borax  must  be  jjurified  by  re-crystallization. 
These  crystals  are  washed  upon  a  filter,  dried,  and  heated,  to 
expel  the  crystal  water,  or  until  the  mass  ceases  to  svrell  up, 
and  it  is  reduced  to  powder. 

Boracic  acid  is  incombustible,  and  has  a  strong  affinity  for 
oxides  when  fused  with  them  ;  therefore,  it  not  only  directly 
combines  with  oxides,  but  it  expels,  by  fusion,  all  other  volatile 
acids  from  their  salts.  Furthermore,  boracic  acid  promotes  the 
oxidation  of  metals  and  sulphur,  and  induces  haloid  compounds, 
in  the  oxidation  flame,  to  combine  with  the  rising  oxides. 
Borates  thus  made,  melt  generally  by  themselves  ;  but  admixed 
with  borate  of  soda,  they  fuse  much  more  readily,  give  a  clear 
bead.  Borax  acts  cither  as  a  flux,  or  through  the  formation 
of  double  salts. 

In  borax,  we  have  the  action  of  free  boracic  acid,  as  Vv^ell  as 
borate  of  soda,  and  for  that  reason  it  is  an  excellent  reagent  for 
blowpipe  analysis. 

All  experiments  in  which  borax  is  employed  should  be  effected 
upon  platinum  wire.  The  hook  of  the  wire  should  be  heated 
red  hot,  and  then  dipped  into  the  powdered  borax.  This  shonld 
be  exposed  to  the  oxidation  flame,  when  it  will  be  fused  to  a 
bead,  which  adheres  to  the  hook.  This  should  be  then  dipped 
into  the  powdered  substance,  which  will  adhere  to  it  if  it  is 
hot  ;  but  if  the  bead  is  cool,  it  must  be  previously  moistened. 
ExT>ose  this  bead    to   the  oxidation  flame  until  it  ceases  to 


I  T  S      U  S  E  .  39 

change,  then  allow  it  to  cool,  when  it  should  be  exposed  to  the 
reduction  flame.     Look  for  the  following  in  the  oxidation  flame  : 

(1.)  Whether  the  heated  substance  is  fused  to  a  clear  bead  or 
not,  and  whether  the  bead  remains  transparent  after  cooling. 
The  beads  of  some  substances,  for  instance  those  of  the  alkaline 
earths,  are  clear  while  hot  ;  but  upon  cooling,  are  milk-white 
and  enamelled.  Some  substances  give  a  clear  bead  when  heated 
and  when  cold,  but  appear  enamelled  when  heated  intermittingly 
or  with  a  flame  which  changes  often  from  oxidation  to  reduction, 
or  with  an  unsteady  flame  produced  by  too  strong  a  blast.  The 
reason  is  an  incomplete  fusion,  while  from  the  basic  borate  com- 
pound a  part  of  the  base  is  separated.  As  the  boracic  acid  is 
capable  of  dissolving  more  in  the  heat,  a  bead  will  be  clear  while 
hot,  enamelled  when  cold,  as  a  part  in  the  latter  instance  will 
become  separated. 

(2.)  Whether  the  substance  dissolves  easily  or  not,  and 
whether  it  intumesces  from  arising  gases. 

(3.)  Whether  the  bead,  when  exposed  to  the  oxidation  flame, 
exhibits  any  color,  and  whether  the  color  remains  after  the 
bead  shall  have  cooled,  or  whether  the  color  fades. 

(4.)  Whether  the  bead  exhibits  any  other  reaction  in  the 
reduction  flame. 

The  bead  should  not  be  overcharged  with  the  substance  under 
examination,  or  it  will  become  colored  so  deeply  as  not  to 
present  any  transparency,  or  the  color  light  enough  to  discern 
its  hue. 

8.  Microcosmic  Salt — Phosphate  of  Soda  and  Ammonia — 
(N'aXH4HP04). — Dissolve  six  parts  of  phosphate  of  soda 
(Na2HP04),  and  one  part  of  .pure  chloride  of  Ammonium 
(NH^CL),  in  two  parts  of  boiling  water,  and  allow  it  to  cool. 
The  greatest  part  of  the  formed  double  salt  crystallizes,  while 
the  mother-liquid  contains  chloride  of  sodium,  and  some  of 
the  double  salt.  The  crystals  must  be  dissolved  in  as  little 
boiling  water  as  possible,  and  re-crystallized.  These  crystals 
must  be  dried  and  powdered. 

"When  this  double  salt  is  heated,  the  water  and  the  ammonia 


4:0  T  II  E       1>  L  O  W   PIPE. 

escape,  while  the  iunombustible  residue  has  a  composition  simi- 
lar to  borax,  viz.,  a  free  acid  and  an  easily  fusible  salt.  The 
effect  of  it  is,  therefore,  similar  to  the  borax.  The  free  phos- 
phoric acid  expels,  likewise,  most  other  acids  from  their  combi- 
nations, and  combines  with  metallic  oxides. 

For  supports,  the  platinum  wire  may  be  used,  but  the  hook 
must  be  smaller  than  when  borax  is  used,  or  the  bead  will  not 
adhere.  As  for  all  the  other  experiments  with  this  salt,  the 
microscosmic  salt  is  used  the  same  as  borax. 

9.  Nitrate  of  Cobalt. —  Co  ( NO3  )2.  —  This  salt  can  be  pre- 
pared by  dissolving  pure  oxide  of  cobalt  in  diluted  nitric  acid, 
and  evaporating  to  dryness  with  a  low  heat.  The  dry  residue 
should  be  dissolved  in  ten  parts  of  water,  and  filtered.  The 
filtrate  is  now  ready  for  use,  and  should  be  kept  in  a  bottle 
with  a  glass  stopper.  If  the  pure  oxide  of  cobalt  cannot  be 
procured,  then  it  may  be  prepared  by  mixing  two  parts  of  finely 
powdered  glance  of  cobalt  with  four  parts  of  saltpetre,  and  one 
part  of  dry  carbonate  of  potassa  with  one  part  of  water  free 
from  carbonate  of  soda.  This  mixture  should  be  added  in  suc- 
cessive portions  into  a  red-hot  Hessian  crucible,  and  the  heat 
continued  until  the  mass  is  fused,  or  at  least  greatly  diminished 
in  volume.  The  cooled  mass  must  be  triturated  with  hot  water, 
and  then  heated  with  hydrochloric  acid  until  it  is  dissolved  and 
forms  a  dark  green  solution,  which  generally  presents  a  gelati- 
nous appearance,  occasioned  by  separated  silica.  The  solution 
is  to  be  evaporated  to  dryness,  the  dry  residue  moistened  with 
hydrochloric  acid,  boiled  with  water,  filtered  and  neutralized 
while  hot  with  carbonate  of  ammonia,  until  it  ceases  to  give 
an  acid  reaction  with  test-paper.  This  must  now  be  filtered 
again,  ar^i  carbonate  of  potassa  added  to  the  filtrate  as  long  as 
precipitate  is  produced.  This  precipitate  is  brought  upon  a  filter 
aid  washed  thoroughly,  and  then  dissolved  in  diluted  nitric  acid. 
This  is  evaporated  to  dryness,  and  one  part  of  it  is  dissolved  in 
ten  parts  of  water  for  use. 

The  oxide  of  cobalt  combines,  with  strong  heat  in  the 
oxidation   flame,    with   various   earths  and   infusible   metallic 


I  T  s    U  s  K  .  41 

oxides,  and  thus  produces  peculiarly  colored  compounds,  and 
is  therefore  used  for  their  detection  ;  (alumina,  magnesia,  oxide 
of  zinc,  oxide  of  tin,  etc.)  Some  of  the  powdered  substance 
is  heated  upon  charcoal  in  the  flame  of  oxidation,  and  moist- 
ened with  a  drop  of  the  solution  of  the  nitrate  of  cobalt,  when 
the  oxidation  flame  is  thrown  upon  it.  Alumina  gives  a  pure 
blue  color,  the  oxide  of  zinc  a  bright  green,  magnesia  a  light 
red,  and  the  oxide  of  tin  a  bluish-green  color  ;  but  the  latter 
is  only  distinctly  visible  after  cooling. 

The  dropping  bottle,  is  the  most  useful  apparatus  for 
the  purpose  of  getting  small  quantities  of  fluid.  It  is  com- 
posed of  a  glass  tube,  drawn  out  to  a  point,  with  a  small 
orifice.  Tiiis  tube  passes  through  the  cork  of  the  bottle. 
By  pressing  in  the  cork  into  the  neck  of  the  bottle,  the  air 
within  will  be  compressed,  and  the  liquid  will  rise  in  the  tube. 
If  now  we  draw  the  cork  out,  wdth  the  tube  filled  with  the 
fluid,  and  pressing  the  finger  upon  the  upper  orifice,  the  fluid 
can  be  forced  out  in  the  smallest  quantity,  even  to  a  fraction 
of  a  drop. 

10.  Tin. — This  metal  is  used  in  the  form  of  foil,  cut  into 
strips  about  half  an  inch  wide.  Tin  is  very  susceptible  of 
oxidation,  and  therefore  deprives  oxidized  substances  of  their 
oxygen  very  quickly,  when  heated  in  contact  with  them.  It 
is  employed  in  blowpipe  analysis,  for  the  purpose  of  producing 
in  glass  beads  a  lower  degree  of  oxidation-,  particularly  if  the 
substance  under  examination'  contains  only  a  small  portion  of 
such  oxide.  These  oxides  give  a  characteristic  color  to  the 
bead,  and  thus  are  detected.  The  bead  is  heated  upon  char- 
coal in  the  reduction  flame,  with  a  small  portion  of  the  tin, 
whereby  some  of  the  tin  is  melted  and  mkes  with  the  bead. 
The  bead  should  be  reduced  quickly  in  the  reduction  flame,  for 
by  continuing  the  blast  too  great  a  while,  the  oxide  of  tin 
separates  the  other  oxides  in  the  reduced  or  metallic  state, 
while  we  only  require  that  they  shall  only  be  converted  into 
a  sub-oxide,  in  order  that  its  peculiar  color  may  be  recognized 
in  the  bead.     The  addition  of  too  much  tin  causes  the  bead 


i2  T  II  E       B  L  O  W  P  I  P  K  . 

to  present  an  unclean  appearance,  and  prevents  tlie  j'equired 
reaction, 

11.  Silica,  (SiO;). — This  acid  docs  not  even  expel  carbonic 
acid  in  the  wet  way,  but  in  a  glowing  heat  it  expels  the 
strongest  volatile  acids.  In  blowpipe  analysis,  we  use  it  fused 
with  carbonate  of  soda  to  a  bead,  as  a  test  for  sulphuric  acid, 
and  in  some  cases  for  phosphoric  acid.  Also  with  carbonate 
of  soda  and  borax,  for  the  purpose  of  separating  tin  from 
copper. 

Finely  powdered  quartz  will  answer  these  purposes.  If  it 
cannot  be  procured,  take  well  washed  white  sand  and  mix  it 
with  two  parts  of  carbonate  of  soda  and  two  parts  of  car- 
bonate of  potassa.  Melt  the  materials  together,  pound  up  the 
cooled  mass,  dissolve  in  hot  water,  filter,  add  to  the  filtrate 
hydrochloric  acid,  and  evaporate  to  dryness.  Moisten  the 
dry  residue  with  hydrochloric  acid,  and  boil  in  water.  The 
silica  remains  insoluble.  It  should  be  washed  well,  dried,  and 
heated,  and  then  reduced  to  pov/der. 

12.  Test-papers. — {a.)  Blue  Litmus  Pajper. — Dissolve  one 
part  of  litmus  in  six  or  eight  parts  of  water,  and  filter.  Divide 
the  filtrate  into  two  parts.  In  one  of  the  parts  neutralize  the 
free  alkali  by  stirring  it  with  a  glass  rod  dipped  in  diluted 
sulphuric  acid,  until  the  fluid  appears  slightly  red.  Then  mix 
the  two  parts  together,  and  draw  slips  of  unsized  paper,  free 
from  alkali,  such  as  fine  filtering  paper.  Hang  these  strips  on 
a  line  to  dry,  in  the  shade  and  free  from  floating  dust.  If  the 
litmus  solution  is  too  light,  it  will  not  give  sufficient  character- 
istic indications,  and  if  too  dark  it  is  not  sensitive  enough. 
The  blue  color  of  the  paper-  should  be  changed  to  red,  when 
brought  in  contact  with  a  solution  containing  the  minutest  trace 
of  free  acid  ;  but  it  should  be  recollected  that  the  neutral  salts 
of  the  heavy  metals  produce  the  same  change. 

(h.)  Red  Litmus  Pa;per. — The  preparation  of  the  red  litmus 
paper  is  similar  to  the  above,  the  acid  being  added  until  a  red 
color  is  obtained.  Keddened  litmus  paper  is  a  very  sensitive 
reag-ent  for  free  alkalies,  the  carbonates  of  the  alkalies,  alkaline 


Its     Use.  43 

earths,  sulpliides  of  the  alkalies  and  of  the  alkaline  earths,  and 
alkaline  salts  with  weak  acids,  such  as  boracic  acid.  These 
substances  restore  the  original  blue  color  of  the  litmus. 

(c.)  Logicood  Pajper. — Take  bruised  logwood,  boil  it  in 
water,  filter,  and  proceed  as  above.  Logwood  paper  is  a  very 
delicate  test  for  free  alkalies,  which  impart  a  violet  tint  to  it. 
It  is  sometimes  used  to  detect  hydrofluoric  acid,  which  changes 
its  color  to  yellow. 

All  the  test-papers  are  to  be  cut  into  narrow  strips,  and 
preserved  in  closely  stopped  vials.  The  especial  employment 
of  the  test-papers  we  shall  allude  to  in  another  place. 

B.    ESPECIAL   REAGENTS. 

13.  Fused  Boracic  Add  (B0O3). — The  commercial  article  is 
sufficiently  pure  for  blowpipe  analysis.  It  is  employed  in  some 
cases  to  detect  phosphoric  acid,  and  also  minute  traces  of 
copper  in  lead  compounds. 

14.  Fluorspar  (CaFP). — This  substance  should  be  pounded 
fine  and  strongly  heated.  Fluorspar  is  often  mixed  with 
boracic  acid,  which  renders  it  unfit  for  analytical  purposes. 
Such  an  admixture  can  be  detected  if  it  be  mixed  with  bi- 
sulphate  of  potassa,  and  exposed  upon  platinum  vrire  to  the 
interior  or  blue  flame.  It  is  soon  fused,  the  boracic  acid  is 
reduced  and  evaporated,  and  by  passing  through  the  external 
flame  it  is  reoxidized,  and  colors  the  flame  green.  We  use 
fluorspar  mixed  with  bisulphate  of  potassa  as  a  test  for  litbia 
and  boracic  acid  in  complicated  compounds. 

15.  Oxalate  of  Nickel  (XiO). — It  is  prepared  by  dissolv- 
ing the  pure  oxide  of  nickel  in  diluted  hydrochloric  acid. 
Evaporate  to  dryness,  dissolve  in  water,  and  precipitate  with 
oxalate  of  ammonia.  The  precipitate  must  be  washed  with 
caution  upon  a  filter,  and  then  dried.  It  is  employed  in  blow- 
pipe analysis  to  detect  salts  of  potassa  in  the  presence  of 
sodium  and  lithium. 

16.  Oxide  of  Copper   (CuO). — Pure  metallic  copper  is  dis- 


44:  T  n  E     B  L  o  w  p  I  i*  e  . 

solved  in  nitric  acid.  Tlie  solution  is  evaporated  in  a  porcelain 
dish  to  dryness,  and  gradually  heated  over  a  spirit-lamp,  until 
the  blue  color  of  the  salt  has  disappeared  and  the  mass  presents 
a  uniform  black  color.  The  oxide  of  copper  so  prepared  must 
be  powdered,  and  preserved  in  a  vial.  It  serves  to  detect,  in 
complicated  compounds,  minute  traces  of  chlorine. 

It.  Antimoniate  of  Potassa  (K4Sb207).  —  Mix  four  parts 
of  the  bruised  metal  of  antimony,  with  nine  parts  of  saltpetre. 
Throw  this  mixture,  in  small  portions,  into  a  red-hot  Hessian 
crucible,  and  keep  it  at  a  glowing  heat  for  awhile  after  all  the 
mixture  is  added.  Boil  the  cooled  mass  with  water,  and  dry 
the  residue.  Take  two  parts  of  this,  and  mix  it  with  one  part 
of  dry  carbonate  of  potassa,  and  expose  this  to  a  red  heat  for 
about  half  an  hour.  Then  wash  the  mass  in  cold  water,  and 
boil  the  residue  in  water  ;  filter,  evaporate  the  filtrate  to  dry- 
ness, and  then,  with  a  strong  heat,  render  it  free  of  water. 
Powder  it  while  it  is  warm,  and  preserve  it  in  closed  vials.  It 
is  used  for  the  detection  of  small  quantities  of  charcoal  in  com- 
pound substances,  as  it  shares  its  oxygen  with  the  carbonaceous 
matter,  the  antimony  becomes  separated,  and  carbonate  of 
potassa  is  produced,  which  restores  red  litmus  paper  to  blue, 
and  effervesces  with  acids. 

18.  Silver  Foil. — A  small  piece  of  silver  foil  is  used  for  the 
purpose  of  detecting  sulphur  and  the  sulphides  of  the  metals, 
vdiich  impart  a  dark  stain  to  it.  If  no  silver  foil  is  at  hand, 
strips  of  filtering  paper,  impregnated  with  acetate  of  lead,  will 
answer  in  many  cases. 

19.  Nitroprusside  of  Sodium  (NagNO,  FeCyg). — This  is  a 
very  delicate  test  for  sulphur,  and  was  discovered  by  Dr.  Playfair. 
This  test  has  lately  been  examined  with  considerable  ability  by 
Prof.  J.  W.  Bailey,  of  West  Point.  If  any  sulphate  or  sulphide 
is  heated  by  the  blowpipe  upon  charcoal  with  tlie  carbonate 
of  soda,  and  the  fused  mass  is  placed  on  a  watch-glass,  with  a 
little  water,  and  a  small  piece  of  the  nitroprusside  of  sodium 
is  added,  there  will  be  produced  a  splendid  purple  color.  This 
color,  or  reaction,  will  bo  produced  from  any  substance  contain- 


I  T  S     U  S  E  .  45 

ing  sulphur,  such  as  the  parings  of  the  nails,  hair,  albumeu,  etc. 
In  regard  to  these  latter  substances,  the  carbonate  of  soda 
should  be  mixed  with  a  little  starch,  which  will  prevent  the 
loss  of  any  of  the  sulphur  by  oxidation.  Coil  a  piece  of  hair 
around  a  platinum  wire,  moisten  it,  and  dip  it  into  a  mixture 
of  carbonate  of  soda,  to  w^hich  a  little  starch  has  been  added, 
and  then  heat  it  with  the  blowpipe,  when  the  fused  mass  will 
give  with  the  nitroprusside  of  sodium  the  characteristic  purple 
reaction,  indicative  of  the  presence  of  sulphur.  With  the 
proper  delicacy  of  manipulation,  a  piece  of  hair,  half  an  inch  in 
length,  will  give  distinct  indications  of  sulphur. 

Frepai-ation. — The  nitroprussides  of  sodium  and  potassium 
(for  either  salt  will  give  the  above  reactions),  are  prepared  as 
follows  :  One  atom  (422  grains)  of  pulverized  ferrocyanide  of 
potassium  is  mixed  with  five  atoms  of  commercial  nitric  acid, 
diluted  with  an  equal  quantity  of  w^ater.  One-fifth  of  this 
quantity  (one  atom)  of  the  acii  is  sufficient  to  transfer  the 
ferrocyanide  into  nitroprusside  ;  but  the  use  of  a  larger  quan- 
tity is  found  to  give  the  best  results.  The  acid  is  poured  all  at 
once  upon  the  ferrocyanide,  the  cold  produced  by  the  mixing 
being  sufficient  to  moderate  the  action.  The  mixture  first 
assumes  a  milky  appearance,  but  after  a  little  while,  the  salt 
dissolves,  forming  a  coffee-colored  solution,  and  gases  are 
disengaged  in  abundance.  When  the  salt  is  completely  dis- 
solved, the  solution  is  found  to  contain  ferrocyanide  (red 
prussiate)  of  potassium,  mixed  with  nitroprusside  and  nitrate 
of  the  same  base.  It  is  then  immediately  decanted  into  a 
large  flask,  and  heated  over  the  water-bath.  It  continues 
to  evolve  gas,  and  after  awhile,  no  longer  yields  a  dark 
blue  precipitate  with  ferrous  salts,  but  a  dark  green  or  slate- 
colored  precipitate.  It  is  then  removed  from  the  fire,  and  left 
to  crystallize,  whereupon  it  yields  a  large  quantity  of  crystals 
of  nitre,  and  more  or  less  oxamide.  The  strongly-colored  mother 
liquid  is  then  neutralized  with  carbonate  of  potash  or  soda, 
according  to  the  salt  to  be  prepared,  and  the  solution  is  boiled, 
whereupon  it  generally  deposits  a  green  or  brown  precipitate, 


4  6  The     Blowpipe. 

which  must  be  separated  by  filtration.  Tiie  liquid  then  con- 
tains nothing  but  nitroprussidc  and  nitrate  of  potash  or  soda. 
The  nitrates  being  the  least  soluble,  are  first  crystallized, 
and  the  remaining  liquid,  on  farther  evaporation,  yields  crys- 
tals of  the  uitropnisside.  The  sodium  salt  crystallizes  most 
easily. — (Platfair.) 

As  some  substances,  particularly  in  complicated  compounds, 
are  not  detected  with  sufficient  nicety  in  the  dry  way  of  ana- 
lysis, it  will  often  be  necessary  to  resort  to  the  wet  way.  It  is 
therefore  necessary  to  have  prepared  the  reagents  required 
for  such  testing,  as  every  person,  before  he  can  become  an 
expert  blowpipe  analyst,  must  be  acquainted  with  the  charac- 
teristic tests  as  applied  in  the  wet  way. 

In  the  absence  of  nitroprussidc  of  sodium,  pulverize  the 
assay  and  fuse  it  with  soda  and  borax  in  the  inner  flame  ; 
place  the  fused  mass  upon  a  clean  silver  surface  and  wet  it ; 
a  blackening  of  the  surface  of  the  metal  indicates  the  presence 
of  sulphur. 


Part    II 


INITIATORY  ANALYSIS. 

QjALiTATivE  ANALYSIS  Fcfei's  to  thosG  examiiiatious  "which 
relate  simply  to  tlie  presence  or  the  absence  of  certain  sub. 
stances,  irrespective  of  their  quantities.  But  before  we  take 
cognizance  of  special  examinations,  it  vrould  facilitate  the 
progress  of  the  student  to  pass  through  a  course  of  Initiatory 
Exercises.  These  at  once  lead  into  the  special  analysis  of 
all  those  substances  susceptible  of  examination  by  the  blowpipe. 
The  Initiatory  Analysis  is  best  studied  by  adopting  the  following 
arrangement  : 

>  1.  Examinations  with  the  glass  bulb. 

2.  "  with  the  open  tube. 

3.  "  upon  charcoal. 

4.  "  in  the  platinum  forcep?!. 

5.  "  in  the  borax  bead. 

6.  "  in  microcosmic  salt. 

7.  "  in  the  carbonate  of  soda  bead. 

8.  Confirmatory  examinations. 

1.    EXAMIXATIOXS    WITH    THE    GLASS    BULB. 

The  glass  of  which  the  bulb  is  made  should  be  entirely  free 
from  lead,  otherwise  fictitious  results  will  ensue.     If  the  bulb 


43  T  H  E       B  L  O  W  I'  I  P  E  . 

be  of  fliut  glass,  then  by  heating  it,  there  is  a  slightly  iridescent 
film  caused  upon  the  surface  of  the  glass,  which  may  easily  be 
mistaken  for  arsenic.  Besides,  this  kind  of  glass  is  easily  fusilJe 
in  the  oxidating  flame  of  the  blowpipe,  while,  in  the  reducing 
flame,  its  ready  decomposition  would  preclude  its  use  entirely. 
The  tube  should  be  composed  of  the  potash  or  hard  Bohemian 
glass,  should  be  perfectly  white,  and  very  thin,  or  the  heat  will 
crack  it. 

The  tube  should  be  perfectly  clean,  which  can  be  easily 
attained  by  wrapping  a  clean  cotton  rag  around  a  small  stick, 
and  inserting  it  in  the  tube.  Before  using  the  tube,  see  also 
that  it  is  perfectly  dry. 

The  quantity  of  the  substance  put  into  the  tube  for  exami- 
nation should  be  small.  From  one  to  three  grains  is  quite 
sufficient,  as  a  general  rule,  but  circumstances  vary  the  quantity. 
The  sides  of  the  tube  should  not  catch  any  of  the  substance  as 
it  is  being  placed  at  the  bottom  of  the  tube,  or  into  the  bulb. 
If  any  of  the  powder,  however,  should  adhere,  it  should  be 
pushed  down  with  a  roll  of  clean  paper,  or  the  clean  cotton 
rag  referred  to  above. 

In  submitting  the  tube  to  the  flame,  it  should  be  heated  at 
first  very  gently,  the  heat  being  increased  until  the  glass  begins 
to  soften,  when  the  observations  of  what  is  ensuing  within  it 
may  be  made. 

If  the  substance  be  of  an  organic  nature,  a  peculiar  empy^ 
renmatic  odor  will  be  given  off.  If  the  substance  chars,  then 
it  may  be  inferred  that  it  is  of  an  organic  nature.  The  matters 
which  are  given  off  and  cause  the  empyreuraatic  odor,  are  a 
peculiar  oil,  ammonia,  carbonic  acid,  acetic  acid,  water,  cyano- 
gen, and  frequently  other  compounds.  If  a  piece  of  paper  is 
heated  in  the  bulb,  a  dark  colored  oil  condenses  upon  the  sides 
of  the  tube,  which  has  a  strong  empyreumatic  odor,  A  piece 
of  litmus  paper  indicates  that  this  oil  is  acid,  as  it  is  quickly 
changed  to  red  by  contact  with  it.  A  black  residue  is  now 
left  in  the  tube,  and  upon  examination  we  will  find  that  it  is 
charcoal.     If,  instead  of  the  pape^',  a  piece  of  animal  substance 


Initiatory     Analysis.  49 

13  placed  ill  the  bulb,  the  reddened  litmus  paper  will  be  con- 
verted into  its  original  blue  color,  while  charcoal  will  be  left 
at  the  bottom  of  the  tube. 

A  changing  of  the  substance,  however,  to  a  dark  color, 
should  not  be  accepted  as  an  invariable  indication  of  charcoal, 
as  some  inorganic  bodies  thus  change  color,  but  the  dark 
substance  will  not  be  likely  to  be  mistaken  for  charcoal.  By 
igniting  the  suspected  substance  with  nitrate  of  potassa,  it  can 
quickly  be  ascertained  whether  it  is  organic  or  not,  for  if  the 
latter,  the  vivid  deflagration  will  indicate  it. 

If  the  substance  contains  water,  it  will  condense  upon  the 
cold  portion  of  the  tube,  and  may  be  there  examined  as  to 
whether  it  is  acid  or  alkaline.  If  the  former,  the  matter  under 
examination  is,  perhaps,  vegetable  ;  if  the  latter,  it  is  of  an 
animal  nature.  The  water  may  be  that  fluid  absorbed,  or  it 
may  form  a  portion  of  its  constitution. 

If  the  substance  contain  sulphur,  the  sublimate  upon  the 
cold  part  of  the  tube  may  be  recognized  by  its  characteristic 
appearance,  especially  if  the  substance  should  be  a  sulphide  of 
tin,  copper,  antimony,  or  iron.  The  hyposulphites,  and  several 
other  sulphides,  also  give  off  sulphur  when  heated.  The 
volatile  metals,  mercury  and  arsenic,  will,  however,  sublime 
without  undergoing  decomposition.  As  the  sulphide  of  arsenic 
may  be  mistaken,  from  its  color  and  appearance,  for  sulphur, 
it  must  be  examined  especially  for  the  purpose  of  determining 
that  point. 

Selenium  will  likewise  sublime  by  heat  as  does  sulphur.  This 
is  the  case  if  selenides  are  present.  Selenium  gives  off  the 
smell  of  decayed  horse-radish. 

When  the  persalts  are  heated  they  are  reduced  to  protosalts, 
with  the  elimination  of  a  part  of  their  acid.  This  will  be 
indicated  by  the  blue  litmus  paper. 

If  some  of  the  neutral  salts  containing  a  volatile  acid  be 
present,  they  will  become  decomposed.  For  instance,  the  red 
nitrous  acid  water  of  the  nitrates  will  indicate  the  decomposition 
of  the  salt,  especially  if  it  be  the  nitrate  of  a  metalic  oxide. 

3 


50  T  u  ii:     B  L  o  w  pipe. 

If  there  is  an  odor  of  sulphur,  then  it  is  quite  jirobable,  if 
no  free  sulphur  be  present,  that  a  hyposulphite  is  decomposed. 

If  an  oxalate  be  present,  it  is  decomposed  with  the  evolution 
of  carbonic  oxide,  which  may  be  inflamed  at  the  mouth  of  the 
tube  ;  but  there  are  oxalates  that  give  off  carbonic  acid  gas, 
which,  of  course,  will  not  burn.  A  cyanide  will  become  decom- 
posed and  eliminate  nitrogen  gas,  while  the  residue  is  charred. 
Some  cyanides  are,  however,  not  thus  decomposed,  as  the  dry 
cyanides  of  the  earths  and  alkalies. 

There  are  several  oxides  of  metals  which  will  sublime,  and 
may  be  thus  examined  in  the  tube.  Arsenious  add  sublimes  with 
great  ease  in  minute  octohedral  crystals.  The  oxides  of  tellu- 
rium and  antimony  will  sublime,  the  latter  in  minute  glittering 
needles. 

There  are  several  metals  which  will  sublime,  and  may  be 
examined  in  the  cold  portion  of  the  tube.  Mercury  condenses 
upon  the  tube  in  minute  globules.  These  often  do  not  present 
the  metalic  appearance  until  they  are  disturbed  v/ith  a  glass 
rod,  when  they  attract  each  other,  and  adhere  as  small 
globules.  Place  in  the  tube  about  a  grain  of  red  precipitate 
of  the  drug  stores  and  apply  heat,  when  the  oxide  will  become 
decomposed,  its  oxygen  will  escape  v/hile  the  vaporized  mer- 
cury will  condense  upon  the  cold  portion  of  the  tube,  and  may 
there  be  examined  with  a  magnifying  glass. 

Arsenic,  when  vaporized,  may  be  known  by  its  peculiar  alli- 
aceous odor.  Arsenic  is  vaporized  from  its  metallic  state,  and 
likewise  from  its  alloys.  Several  compounds  which  contain 
arsenic  will  also  sublime,  such  as  the  arsenical  cobalt.  Place 
in  the  bulb  a  small  piece  of  arsenical  cobalt  or  "  fly-stone," 
and  apply  heat.  The  sulphide  of  arsenic  will  first  rise,  but 
soon  the  arsenic  will  adhere  to  the  sides  of  the  tube. 

The  metals  tellurium  and  cadmium  are  susceptible  of  solution, 
but  the  heat  required  is  a  high  one.  This  is  best  done  upon 
charcoal. 

The  perchloridc  of  mercury  sublimes  undecomposod  in  the  bulb, 
previously  undergoing  fusion. 


IxiTiATORY     Analysts.  51 

The  protcchloride  of  mercury  likewise  snl,Ki:ie?,  but  it  does  not 
undergo  fusion  first,  as  is  the  case  witli  the  corrosive  sublimate. 

The  ammoniacal  salts  all  are  susceptible  of  sublimation,  which 
they  do  without  leaving  a  residue.  There  are,  however,  several 
which  contain  fixed  acids,  which  latter  are  left  in  the  bulb. 
This  is  particularly  the  case  with  the  phosphates  and  borates 
A  piece  of  red  litmus  paper  will  readily  detect  the  escaping 
ammonia,  while  its  odor  will  indicate  its  presence  with  great 
certainty.  The  halogen  compounds  of  mercury,  we  should  have 
mentioned,  also  sublime,  the  red  iodide  giving  a  yellow  subli- 
mate.' 

The  bulb  is  also  a  convenient  little  instrument  for  the  pur- 
pose of  heating  those  substances  which  phosphoresce,  and  like- 
wise those  salts  that  decrepitate. 

Should  the  above  reactions  not  be  readily  discerned,  it  should 
not  be  considered  as  an  indication  that  the  substances  are  not 
present,  for  they  are  frequently  expelled  in  such  combinations 
that  the  above  reactions  will  not  take  place.  This  is  often  the 
case  with  sulphur,  selenium,  arsenic,  and  tellurium.  It  fre- 
quently happens,  likewise,  that  these  substances  are  in  such 
combinations  that  heat  alone  will  not  sublime  them  ;  or  else  two 
or  more  of  them  may  arise  together,  and  thus  complicate  the 
sublimate,  so  that  the  eye  cannot  readily  detect  either  substance. 
Sometimes  sulphur  and  arsenic  will  coat  the  tube  with  a  metal- 
like appearance,  which  is  deceptive.  This  coating  presents  a 
metallic  lustre  at  its  lower  portion,  but  changing,  as  it  pro- 
gresses upward,  to  a  dark  brown,  light  brown,  orange  or  yellow  ; 
this  sublimate  being  due  to  combinations  of  arsenic  and  sulphur, 
which  compounds  are  volatilized  at  a  lower  temperature  than 
metallic  arsenic. 

If  certain  reagents  are  mixed  with  many  substances,  changes 
are  effected  which  would  not  ensue  with  heat  alone.  Formiatc 
of  soda  possesses  the  property  of  readily  reducing  metallic 
oxides.  When  this  salt  is  heated,  it  gives  off  a  quantity  of 
carbonic  oxide  gas.  This  gas,  when  in  the  presence  of  a  metal- 
lic oxide,  easily  reduces  the  metal,  by  withdrawing  its  oxygen 


52  T  H  E     B  L  o  w  p  I  r  E  . 

from  it,  and  being  changed  into  carbonic  oxide.  If  a  little  fly- 
stone  is  mixed  with  some  formiate  of  soda,  and  heated  in  the 
bulb,  the  arsenic  is  reduced,  volatilized,  and  condenses  in  the 
cool  portion  of  the  tube.  By  this  method,  the  smallest  portion 
of  a  grain  of  the  arsenical  compound  may  be  thus  examined 
with  the  greatest  readiness.  If  the  residue  is  now  washed,  by 
which  the  soda  is  got  rid  of,  the  metallic  arsenic  may  be  obtained 
in  small  spangles.  If  the  compound  examined  be  the  sulphide 
of  antimony,  the  one-thousandth  part  can  be  readily  detected,  and 
hence  this  method  is  admirably  adapted  to  the  examination  of 
medicinal  antimonial  compounds.  The  arsenites  of  silver  and  cop- 
per are  reduced  by  the  formiate  of  soda  to  their  metals,  mixed  with 
metallic  arsenic.  The  mercurial  salts  are  all  reduced  with  the 
metal  plainly  visible  as  a  bright  silvery  ring  on  the  cool  por- 
tion of  the  tube.  The  chloride  and  nitrate  of  silver  are  com- 
pletely reduced,  and  may  be  obtained  after  working  out  the 
soda,  as  bright  metallic  spangles.  The  salts  of  antimony  and 
zinc  are  thus  reduced  ;  also  the  sulphate  of  cadmium.  The 
sublimate  of  the  latter,  although  in  appearance  not  unlike  that 
of  arsenic,  can  easily  be  distingushed  by  its  brighter  color.  It 
is,  in  fact,  the  rich  yellow  of  this  sublimate  which  has  led  artists 
to  adopt  it  as  one  of  their  most  valued  pigments. 

2.    EXAMIXATIOXS    IX    THE    OPEN   TUBE. 

The  substance  to  be  operated  upon  should  be  placed  in  the 
tube,  about  half  an  inch  from  the  end,  and  the  flame  applied  at 
first  very  cautiously,  increasing  gradually  to  the  required  tempe- 
rature. The  tube,  in  all  these  roasting  operations,  as  they  are 
termed,  should  be  held  in  an  inclined  position.  The  nearer 
perpendicular  the  tube  is  held,  the  stronger  is  the  draught  of 
air  that  passes  through  it.  If  but  little  heat  is  required  in  the 
open  tube  operation,  the  spirit-lamp  is  the  best  method  of 
applying  the  heat.  But  if  a  greater  temperature  is  required, 
then  recourse  must  be  had  to  the  blowpipe.  Upon  the  angle 
of  inclination  of  the  tube  depends  the  amount  of  air  that  passes 


Initiatory     Analysis 


53 


through  it,  and  therefore,  the  rapidity  of  the  draught  may  be 
easily  regulated  at  the  will  of  the  operator.  The  inclination  of 
the  tube  may,  as  a  general  rule,  be  about  the  angle  represented 
in  Fi-   li. 


Fig.  14. 


The  length  of  the  tube  must  be  about  six  inches,  so  that  the 
portion  upon  which  the  substance  rested  in  a  previous  examina- 
tion may  be  cut  off.  The  portion  of  the  tube  left  will  answer 
for  several  similar  operations. 

When  the  substance  is  under  examination,  we  should  devote 
our  attention  to  the  nature  of  the  sublimates,  and  to  that  of 
the  odors  of  the  gases.  If  sulphur  be  in  the  substance  experi- 
mented upon,  the  characteristic  odor  of  sulphurous  acid  gas  will 
readily  indicate  the  sulphur.  If  metallic  sulphides,  for  instance, 
are  experimented  upon,  the  sulphurous  acid  gas  eliminated  will 
readily  reveal  their  presence.  As  it  is  a  property  of  this  gas 
to  bleach,  a  piece  of  Brazil-wood  test  paper  should  be  held  in 
the  mouth  of  the  tube,  when  its  loss  of  color  will  indicate  the 
presence  of  the  sulphurous  acid.  It  often  happens,  too,  that  a 
slight  deposition  of  sulphur  will  be  observed  upon  the  cool  por- 


54:     ■  T  H  E      B  L  o  w  r  I  P  E  . 

tion  of  the  tc.be.  This  is  pai-ticularly  the  case  with  those  sul- 
phides which  yield  sublimates  of  sulphur  when  heated  in  the 
bulb. 

Selerimm  undergoes  but  slight  oxidation,  but  it  becomes 
readily  volatilized,  and  may  be  observed  on  the  cool  portion 
of  the  tube.  At  the  same  time  the  nose,  if  applied  close  to  the 
end  of  the  tube,  will  detect  the  characteristic  odor  of  rotten 
horse-radish.  Arsenic  also  gives  its  peculiar  alliaceous  odor, 
which  is  so  characteristic  that  it  can  be  easily  detected.  A 
few  of  the  arsenides  produce  this  odor.  The  sublimates  should 
be  carefully  observed,  as  they  indicate  often  with  great  cer- 
tainty the  presence  of  certain  substances  ;  for  instance,  that 
of  arsenic.  The  sublimate,  in  this  case,  presents  itself  as  the 
arsenious  acid,  or  the  metallic  arsenic  itself.  If  it  be  the  former, 
it  may  be  discerned  by  aid  of  the  magnifying  glass  as  beauti- 
ful glittering  octohedral  crystals.  If  the  latter,  the  metallic 
lustre  will  reveal  it. 

But  it  will  be  observed  that  while  some  of  the  arsenides  are 
sublimed  at  a  comparatively  low  temperature,  others  require 
a  very  high  one. 

Antimony  gives  a  white  sublimate  when  its  salts  are  roasted, 
as  the  sulphide,  or  the  antimonides  themselves,  or  the  oxide  of 
this  metal.  This  white  sublimate  is  not  antimonious  acid,  but 
there  is  mixed  with  it  the  oxide  of  antimony  with  which  the 
acid  is  sublimed.  As  is  the  case  with  arsenious  acid,  the  anti- 
monious acid  may,  by  dexterous  heating,  be  driven  from  one 
portion  of  the  tube  to  another. 

Tellurium,  or  its  acid  and  oxide,  may  be  got  as  a  sublimate 
in  the  tube.  The  tellurious  acid,  unlike  the  arsenious  and  anti- 
monious acids,  cannot  be  driven  from  one  portion  of  the  tube 
to  another,  but,  on  the  contrary,  it  fuses  into  small  clear 
globules,  visible  to  the  naked  eye  sometimes,  but  quite  so  with 
the  aid  of  the  magnifying  glass. 

Lead,  or  its  chloride,  sublimes  like  tellurium,  and,  like  that 
substance,  fuses  into  globules  or  drops. 

Bismuth,  or  its  sulphide,  sublimes  into  an  orange  or  brown 


Initiatory     Analysis.  55 

isli  globules,  when  it  is  melted,  as  dLrected  above,  for  tellu- 
rium. The  color  of  the  bismuth  and  lead  oxides  are  somewhat 
similar,  although  that  of  the  latter  is  paler. 

If  any  mineral  containing  Jiuorhm  is  fused,  first  with  the 
microcosmic  salt  bead,  then  put  into  the  tube,  and  the  flame 
•jf  the  blowpipe  be  directed  into  the  tube  upon  the  bead,  hydro- 
^uoric  acid  is  disengaged  and  attacks  the  inside  of  the  tube. 
The  fluoride  of  calcium,  or  fluorspar,  may  be  used  for  this 
experiment. 

During  the  roasting,  a  brisk  current  of  air  should  be  allowed 
to  pass  through  the  tube,  whereby  unoxidized  matter  may  be 
prevented  from  volatilization,  and  the  clogging  up  of  the  sub- 
stance under  examination  be  prevented, 

3.    EXAMINATIONS    UPON    CHARCOAL. 

In  making  examinations  upon  charcoal,  it  is  quite  necessary 
that  the  student  should  make  himself  familiar  with  the  different 
and  characteristic  appearances  of  the  deposits  upon  the  char- 
coal. In  this  case  I  have  found  the  advice  given  by  Dr.  Sherer 
to  be  the  best  ;  that  is,  to  begin  with  the  examination  of  the 
pure  materials  first,  until  the  eye  becomes  familiarized  with  the 
appearances  of  their  incrustations  upon  charcoal. 

The  greater  part  of  the  metals  fuse  w^hen  submitted  to  the 
heat  of  the  blowpipe,  and  if  exposed  to  the  outer  flame,  they 
oxidize.  These  metals,  termed  the  noble  metals,  do  not  oxidize, 
but  they  fuse.  The  metals  platinum,  iridium,  rhodium,  osmium 
and  palladium  do  not  fuse.  The  metal  osmium,  if  exposed  to 
the  flame  of  oxidation,  fuses  and  is  finally  dissipated  as  osmic 
acid.  In  the  latter  flame,  the  salts  of  the  noble  metals  are 
reduced  to  the  metallic  state,  and  the  charcoal  is  covered  with 
the  bright  metal. 

We  shall  give  a  brief  description  of  the  appearance  of  the 
principal  elementary  bodies  upon  being  fused  with  charcoal. 
This  plan  is  that  deemed  the  most  conducive  to  the  progress 
of  the  student,  by  Berzelius,  Piattner,  and  Sherer.     Experience 


56  The     B  l  o  w  pipe. 

lias  taught  us  that  this  method  is  the  most  efficient  tha;  could 
have  beeu  devised  as  an  initiatory  exercise  for  the  student,  ere 
he  commences  a  more  concise  and  methodical  method  of  analy- 
sis. In  these  reactions  upon  charcoal,  we  shall  follow  nearly 
the  language  of  Plattner  and  Sherer. 

Selenium  is  not  difficult  of  fusion,  and  gives  off  brown  fumes 
in  either  the  oxidation  or  reduction  flame.  The  deposit  upon  the 
charcoal  is  of  a  steel-grey  color,  with  a  slightly  metallic  lustre. 
The  deposit  however  that  fuses  outside  of  this  steel-grey  one  is 
of  a  dull  violet  color,  shading  off  to  a  light  brown.  Under  the 
flame  of  oxidation  this  deposit  is  easily  driven  from  one  portion 
of  the  charcoal  to  another,  w^hile  the  appUcation  of  the  re- 
ducing flame  volatilizes  it  with  the  evolution  of  a  beautiful 
blue  light.  The  characteristic  odor  of  decayed  horse-radish 
distinguishes  the  volatilization  of  this  metal. 

Tellurium. — This  metal  fuses  with  the  greatest  readmess, 
and  is  reduced  to  vapor  under  both  flames  with  fumes,  and 
coats  the  charcoal  with  a  deposit  of  tellurous  acid.  This 
deposit  is  white  near  the  centre,  and  is  of  a  dark  yellow  near 
the  edges.  It  may  be  driven  from  place  to  place  by  the  flame 
of  oxidation,  while  that  of  reduction  volatilizes  it  with  a  green 
flame.  If  there  be  a  mixture  of  selenium  present,  then  the 
color  of  the  flame  is  bluish-green. 

Aesexic. — This  metal  is  volatihzed  without  fusing,  and 
covers  the  charcoal  both  in  the  oxidizing  and  reducing  flames 
with  a  deposit  of  arseuious  acid.  This  coating  is  white  in  the 
centre,  and  grey  towards  the  edges,  and  is  found  some  distance 
from  the  assay.  By  the  most  gentle  apphcation  of  the  flame, 
it  is  immediately  volatilized,  and  if  touched  for  a  moment  with 
the  reducing  flame,  it  disappears,  tinging  the  flame  pale  blue. 
During  volatLLizatiou  a  strong  garlic  odor  is  distiucly  percepti- 
ble, very  characteristic  of  arsenic,  and  by  which  its  presence 
in  any  compound  may  be  immediately  recognized. 

AxTBioMY. — This  metal  fuses  readily,  and  coats  the  charcoal 
under  both  flames  with  antimonious  acid.  This  incrustation  is 
of  a  white  color  where  thick,  but  of  a  bluish  tint  where  it  is 


Initiatoey     Analysis  57 

thill,  and  is  found  nearer  to  the  assay  than  that  of  arsenic. 
When  greatly  heated  by  the  flame  of  oxidation,  it  is  driven 
from  place  to  place  without  coloring  the  flame,  but  when  vola- 
tilized by  the  flame  of  reduction,  it  tinges  the  flame  blue.  As 
antimonious  acid  is  not  so  volatile  as  arsenious  acid,  they  may 
thus  be  easily  distinguished  from  one  another. 

When  metallic  antimony  is  fused  upon  charcoal,  and  the 
metallic  bead  raised  to  a  red  heat,  if  the  blast  be  suspended, 
the  fluid  bead  remains  for  some  time  at  this  temperature,  giving 
off  opaque  white  fumes,  which  are  at  first  deposited  on  the 
surrounding  charcoal,  and  then  upon  the  bead  itself,  covering 
it  with  white,  pearly  crystals.  The  phenomenon  is  dependent 
upon  the  fact,  that  the  heated  button  of  antimony,  in  absorbing- 
oxygen  from  the  air,  developes  sufficient  heat  to  maintain  the 
metal  in  a  fluid  state,  until  it  becomes  entirely  covered  with 
crystals  of  antimonious  acid  so  formed. 

Bismuth. — This  metal  fuses  with  ease,  and  under  both  flames 
covers  the  charcoal  with  a  coating  of  oxide,  which,  while  hot, 
is  of  an  orange-yellow  color,  and  after  cooling,  of  a  lemon-yel- 
low color,  passing,  at  the  edges,  into  a  bluish  white.  This 
white  coating  consists  of  the  carbonate  of  bismuth..  The  subli- 
mate from  bismuth  is  formed  at  a  less  distance  from  the  assay 
than  is  the  case  with  antimony.  It  may  be  driven  from  place 
to  place  by  the  application  of  either  flame  ;  but  in  so  doing, 
the  oxide  is  first  reduced  by  the  heated  charcoal,  and  the 
metallic  bismuth  so  formed  is  volatilized  and  reoxidized.  The 
flame  is  uncolored. 

Lead. — This  metal  readily  fuses  under  either  flame,  and 
incrusts  the  charcoal  with  oxide  at  about  the  same  distance 
from  the  assay  as  is  the  case  with  bismuth.  The  oxide  is,  while 
hot,  of  a  dark  lemon-yellow  color,  but  upon  cooling,  becomes 
of  a  sulphur  yellow.  The  carbonate  which  is  formed  upon  the 
charcoal,  beyond  the  oxide,  is  of  a  bluish-white  color.  If  the 
yellow  incrustation  of  the  oxide  be  heated  with  the  flame  of 
oxidation,  it  disappears,  undergoing  changes  similar  to  those  of 

3* 


58  T  ][  K     B  I.  <)  w  p  r  r  E. 

bismuth  above  meiitioiiecl.  Under  the  flame  of  reducLioii,  it, 
however,  disaj^pears,  tinging  the  flame  blue. 

Cadmium. — This  metal  fuses  with  ease,  and,  in  the  flame  of 
oxidation,  takes  fire,  and  burns  with  a  deep  yellow  color,  giving 
off  brown  fumes,  which  coat  the  charcoal,  to  within  a  small 
distance  of  the  assay,  with  oxide  of  cadmium.  This  coating 
exhibits  its  characteristic  reddish-brown  color  most  clearly  when 
cold.  Where  the  coating  is  very  thin,  it  passes  to  an  orange 
color.  As  oxide  of  cadmium  is  easily  reduced,  and  the  metal 
very  volatile,  the  coating  of  oxide  may  be  driven  from  place  to 
place  by  the  application  of  either  flame,  to  neither  of  which 
doe;5  it  impart  any  color.  Around  the  deposit  of  oxide,  the 
charcoal  has  occasionally  a  variegated  tarnish. 

Zinc. — This  metal  fuses  with  ease,  and  takes  fire  in  the  flame 
of  oxidation,  burning  with  a  brilliant  greenish-white  light,  and 
forming  thick  white  fumes  of  oxide  of  zinc,  which  coat  the 
charcoal  round  the  assay.  This  coating  is  yellow  while  hot, 
but  when  perfectly  cooled,  becomes  white.  If  heated  with  the 
flame  of  oxidation,  it  shines  brilliantly,  but  is  not  volatilized, 
since  the  heated  charcoal  is,  under  these  circumstances,  insufS- 
cieut  to  effect  its  reduction.  Even  under  the  reducing  flame, 
it  disappears  very  slowly. 

Tix. — This  metal  fuses  readily,  and,  in  the  flame  of  oxidation, 
becomes  covered  with  oxide,  which,  by  a  strong  blast,  may 
be  easily  blown  off.  In  the  reducing  flame,  the  fused  metal 
assumes  a  white  surface,  and  the  charcoal  becomes  covered  with 
oxide.  This  oxide  is  of  a  pale  yellow  color  while  hot,  and  is 
quite  brilliant  when  the  flame  of  oxidation  is  directed  upon 
it.  After  cooling,  it  becomes  white.  It  is  found  immediately 
around  the  assay,  and  cannot  be  volatilized  by  the  application 
of  either  flame. 

MoLYBDEXUM. — This  metal,  in  powder,  is  infusible  before  the 
blowpipe.  If  heated  in  the  outer  flame,  it  becomes  gradually 
oxidized,  and  incrusts  the  charcoal,  at  a  small  distance  from 
the  assay,  with  molybdic  acid,  which,  near  the  assay,  forms 


Initiatory     Analysis.  59 

transparent  crystalline  scales,  and  is  elsewhere  deposited  as  a 
fine  powder.  The  incrustation,  while  hot,  is  of  a  yellow  color, 
but  becomes  white  after  cooling.  It  may  be  volatilized  by 
heating  with  either  flame,  and  leaves  the  surface  of  the  char- 
coal, when  perfe:tly  cooled,  of  a  dark-red  copper  color,  with  a 
metallic  lustre,  due  to  the  oxide  of  molybdenum,  which  has  been 
formed  by  the  reducing  action  of  the  charcoal  upon  the  molyb. 
die  acid.  In  the  reducing  flame,  metallic  molybdenum  remains 
unchanged. 

Silver. — This  metal,  .when  fused  alone,  and  kept  in  this 
state  for  some  time,  under  a  strong  oxidizing  flame,  covers  the 
charcoal  with  a  thin  film  of  dark  reddish-brown  oxide.  If  the 
silver  be  alloyed  with  lead,  a  yellow  incrustation  of  the  oxide 
of  that  metal  is  first  formed,  and  afterwards,  as  the  silver 
becomes  more  pure,  a  dark  red  deposit  is  formed  on  the  char- 
coal beyond.  If  the  silver  contains  a  small  quantity  of  anti- 
mony, a  white  incrustation  of  antimonious  acid  is  formed,  which 
becomes  red  on  the  surface  if  the  blast  be  continued.  And  if 
lead  and  antimony  are  both  present  in  the  silver,  after  the  greater 
part  of  these  metals  have  been  volatilized,  a  beautiful  crimson 
incrustation  is  produced  upon  the  charcoal.  This  result  is 
sometimes  obtained  in  fusing  rich  silver  ores  on  charcoal. 

SULPHIDES,  CHLORIDES,  IODIDES,  AXD  BROMIDES. 

In  blow^pipe  experiments,  it  rarely  occurs  that  we  have  to 
deal  with  pure  metals,  which,  if  not  absolutely  non-volatile, 
are  recognized  by  the  incrustation  they  form  upon  charcoal. 
Some  compound  substances,  when  heated  upon  charcoal,  form 
white  incrustations,  resembling  that  formed  by  antimony,  and 
which,  when  heated,  may,  in  like  manner,  be  driven  from  place 
to  place.  Among  these  are  certain  sulphides,  as  sulphide  of 
potassium,  and  sulphide  of  sodium,  which  are  formed  by  the 
action  cf  the  reducing  flame  upon  the  sulphates  of  potassa  and 
soda,  a  .id  are,  when  volatilized,  reconverted  into  those  sulphates, 
and  as  such  deposited  on  the  charcoal.     No  incrustation  is, 


00  T  11  E       B  L  O  W  P  I  P   E  . 

however,  formed,  until  the  whole  of  the  alkahue  sulphate  has 
been  absorbed  into  the  charcoal,  and  has  parted  with  its  oxy- 
gen. As  snlphide  of  potassium  is  more  volatile  than  sulphide 
of  sodium,  an  incrustation  is  formed  from  the  former  sooner 
than  from  the  latter  of  these  salts,  and  is  considerably  thicker 
in  the  former  case.  If  the  potash  incrustation  be  touched  with 
the  reducing  flame,  it  disappears  with  a  violet-colored  flame  ; 
and  if  a  soda  incrustation  be  treated  in  like  manner,  an  orange- 
yellow  flame  is  produced. 

Sulphide  of  lithium,  formed  by  heating  the  sulphate  in  the 
reducing  flame,  is  volatilized  in  similar  manner  by  a  strong 
blast,  although  less  readily  than  the  sulphide  of  sodium.  It 
affords  a  greyish  white  film,  which  disappears  with  a  crimson 
flame  when  submitted  to  the  reducing  flame. 

Besides  the  above,  the  sulphides  of  bismuth  and  lead  give, 
when  heated  in  either  flame,  two  different  incrustations,  of 
which  the  more  volatile  is  of  a  white  color,  and  consists  in  the 
one  case  of  sulphate  of  lead,  and  in  the  other  of  sulphate  of 
bismuth.  If  either  of  these  be  heated  under  the  reducing  flame, 
it  disappears  in  the  former  case  with  a  bluish  flame,  in  the 
latter  unaccompanied  by  any  visible  flame.  The  incrustation 
formed  nearest  to  the  assay  consists  of  the  oxide  of  lead  or 
bismuth,  and  is  easily  recognized  by  its  color  when  hot  and 
after  cooling.  There  are  many  other  metallic  sulphides,  which, 
when  heated  by  the  blowpipe  flame,  cover  the  charcoal  with 
a  white  incrustation,  as  sulphide  of  antimony,  sulphide  of  zinc, 
and  sulphide  of  tin.  In  all  these  cases,  however,  the  incrusta- 
tion consists  of  the  metallic  oxide  alone,  and  either  volatilizes 
or  remains  unchanged,  when  submitted  to  the  oxidizing  flame. 

Of  the  metallic  chlorides  there  are  many  which,  when  heated 
( n  charcoal  with  the  blowpipe  flame,  are  volatilized  and  re- 
ceposited  as  a  white  incrustation.  Among  these  are  the 
chlorides  of  potassium,  sodium,  and  lithium,  which  volatilize 
and  cover  the  charcoal  immediately  around  the  assay  with  a 
thin  vrhite  film,  after  they  have  been  fused  and  absorbed  into 
the  charcoal,  chloride  of  potassium  forms  the  thickest  dopo-sit. 


Initiatory     Analysis.  G1 

and  chloride  of  litlilum  the  thinnest,  the  latter  being  moreover 
of  a  greyish-white  color.  The  chlorides  of  ammonium,  mercury, 
and  antimony  volatilize  without  fusing. 

The  chlorides  of  zinc,  cadmium,  lead,  bismuth,  and  tin  first 
fuse  and  then  cover  the  charcoal  with  two  different  incrusta- 
tions, one  of  which  is  a  white  volatile  chloride,  and  the  other 
a  less  volatile  oxide  of  the  metal. 

Some  of  the  incrustations  formed  by  metallic  chlorides  dis. 
appear  with  a  colored  flame  when  heated  with  the  reducing 
flame  ;  thus  chloride  of  potassium  affords  a  violet  flame,  chlo- 
ride of  sodium  an  orange  one,  chloride  of  lithium  a  crimson 
flame,  and  chloride  of  lead  a  blue  one.  The  other  metals 
mentioned  above  volatilize  without  coloring  the  flame. 

The  chloride  of  copper  fuses  and  colors  the  flame  of  a  beauti- 
ful blue.  Moreover,  if  a  continuous  blast  be  directed  upon  the 
salt,  a  part  of  it  is  driven  off  in  the  form  of  white  fumes  which 
smell  strongly  of  chlorine,  and  the  charcoal  is  covered  with 
incrustations  of  three  different  colors.  That  which  is  formed 
nearest  to  the  assay  is  of  a  dark  grey  color,  the  next,  a  dark 
yellow  passing  into  brown,  and  the  most  distant  of  a  bluish 
white  color.  If  this  incrustation  be  heated  under  the  reducing 
flame,  it  disappears  with  a  blue  flame. 

Metallic  iodides  and  bromides  behave  upon  charcoal  in  a 
similar  manner  to  the  chlorides.  Those  principally  deserving 
of  mention  are  the  bromides  and  iodides  of  potassium  and 
sodium.  These  fuse  upon  charcoal,  are  absorbed  into  its  pores, 
and  volatilize  in  the  form  of  white  fumes,  which  are  deposited 
upon  the  charcoal  at  some  distance  from  the  assay.  When 
the  saline  films  so  formed  are  submitted  to  the  reducing  flame, 
they  disappear,  coloring  the  flame  in  the  same  manner  as  the 
corresponding  chlorides. 

4.    EXAMIXATIOXS    IX   THE    TLATIXUM    FORCEPS. 

Before  the  student  attempts  to  make  an  examination  in  the 
platinum   forceps  or  tongs,  be  should  first  ascertain  whether 


f>3  T  II  K       B  L  O  W  P  I  P  E  . 

or  not  it  will  act  upon  the  y)latinum.  If  the  substance  to  be 
examined  shall  act  chemically  upon  the  platinum,  then  it 
should  be  examined  on  the  charcoal,  and  the  color  of  the 
llame  ascertained  as  rigidly  as  possible.  The  following  list  of 
substances  produce  the  color  attached  to  tljem. 


Potash,  and  all  its  compounds,  with  the  exception  of  tlic  phosphate 
and  the  borate,  tinge  the  color  of  the  flame  violet. 


Cliloi'idc  of  copper, Intense  blue. 

Lead, Pale  clear  blue. 

Bromide  of  copper, .Bluish  green. 

Antimony, Bluish  green. 

Selenium, Blue. 

Arsenic, Eno;lish  green. 


C.       GREEN. 

Ammonia,  Dark  green. 

Boracic  acid, Dark  green. 

Copper, Dark  green. 

Telluriuni, Dark  green. 

/^inc, Light  green. 

Baryta Apple  green. 

Phosphoric  acid, Pale  green. 

Molybdic  acid, x\pple  green. 

Telluric  acid, Light  green. 

D.       YELLOW. 

Soda, Intense  vellow. 

Water, I'eeble  yellow. 


Strontia, Intense  crimson. 

Lithia,    Purplish  red. 

Potash, Violet  red. 

Lime, Purplish  red. 


Initiatoey     Analysis.  63 

The  student  may  often  be  deceived  in  regard  to  the  colors  : 
for  instance,  if  a  small  splinter  of  almost  any  mineral  be  held 
at  the  point  of  the  flame  of  oxidation,  it  will  impart  a  very  slight 
yellow  to  the  flame.  This  is  caused,  doubtless,  by  the  water 
contained  in  the  mnieral.  If  the  piece  of  platinum  wire  is  used, 
and  it  should  be  wet  with  the  saliva,  as  is  frequently  done  by 
the  student,  then  the  small  quantity  of  soda  existing  in  that 
fluid  will  color  the  flame  of  a  light  yellow  hue. 

A.       THE    VIOLET    COLOR. 

The  salts  of  potash,  with  the  exception  of  the  borate  and 
the  phosphate,  color  the  flame  of  a  rich  violet  hue.  This  color 
is  best  discovered  in  the  outer  flame  of  the  blowpipe,  as  is  the 
case  with  all  the  other  colors.  The  flame  should  be  a  small 
one,  with  a  lamp  having  a  small  wick,  while  the  orifice  of  the 
blowpipe  must  be  quite  small.  These  experiments  should  like- 
wise be  made  in  a  dark  room,  so  that  the  colors  may  be 
discerned  with  the  greatest  ease.  In  investigating  with 
potash  for  the  discernment  of  color,  it  should  be  borne  in  mind 
that  the  least  quantity  of  soda  will  entirely  destroy  the  violet 
color  of  the  potash,  by  the  substitution  of  its  own  strong- 
yellow  color.  If  there  be  not  more  than  the  two  hundredth 
part  of  soda,  the  violet  reaction  of  the  potash  will  be  destroyed. 
This  is  likewise  the  case  with  the  presence  of  lithia,  for  its 
peculiar  red  color  will  destroy  the  violet  of  the  potash.  There- 
fore in  making  investigations  with  the  silicates  which  contain 
potash,  the  violet  color  of  the  latter  can  only  be  discerned 
when  they  are  free  from  soda  and  lithia. 

B.       THE    BLUE    COLOR. 

(a.)  The  Chloride  of  Copper. — Any  of  the  chlorides  produce 
a  blue  color  in  the  blowpipe  flame,  or  any  salt  which  contains 
chlorine  will  show  the  blue  tint,  as  the  color  in  this  case  is 
referable   to   the   chlorine   itself.     There   arc,   however,  some 


64:  T  II    K       J]   L  O  W   P  I  P  K.. 

chlorides  which,  in  consequence  of  tlie  peculiar  reactions  of 
their  bases,  will  not  produce  the  blue  color,  although  in  these 
cases  the  blue  of  the  chlorine  will  be  very  Hkely  to  blend  itself 
with  the  color  produced  by  the  base.  The  chloride  of  copper 
communicates  an  intense  blue  to  the  flame,  when  fused  on  the 
platinum  wire.  If  the  heat  be  continued  until  the  chlorine 
is  driven  off,  then  the  greenish  hue  of  the  oxide  of  copper  will 
be  discerned. 

(b.)  Lead. — Metallic  lead  communicates  to  the  flame  a  pale 
blue  color.  The  oxide  reacts  in  the  same  manner.  The  lead- 
salts,  whose  acids  do  not  interfere  with  the  color,  impart  also 
a  fine  blue  to  the  flame,  either  in  the  platina  forceps,  or  the 
crooked  wire. 

(c.)  Bromide  of  Copper. — This  salt  colors  the  flame  of  a 
bluish-green  color,  but  when  the  bromine  is  driven  off,  then  we 
have  the  green  of  the  oxide  of  copper. 

{d.)  Antimony. — This  metal  imparts  a  blue  color  to  the 
blowpipe  flame,  but  if  the  metal  is  in  too  small  a  quantity, 
then  the  color  is  a  brilliant  white.  If  antimony  is  fused  on 
charcoal,  the  fused  metal  gives  a  blue  color.  The  white  subli- 
mate v>'hich  surrounds  the  fused  metal,  being  subjected  to  the 
flame  of  oxidation,  disappears  from  the  charcoal  with  a 
bluish-green  color. 

(c.)  Selenium. — If  fused  in  the  flame  of  oxidation,  it  imparts 
to  the  flame  a  deep  blue  color.  The  incrustation  upon  char- 
coal gives  to  the  flame  the  same  rich  color. 

(/.)  Arsenic. — The  arseniates  and  metallic  arsenic  itself 
impart  to  the  blowpipe  flame  a  fine  blue  color,  provided  that 
there  is  no  other  body  present  wiiich  may  have  a  tendency  to 
color  the  flame  with  its  characteristic  line.  The  sublimate  of 
arsenious  acid  which  surrounds  the  assay,  will  give  the  same 
blue  flame,  when  dissipated  by  the  oxidation  flame.  The 
platinum  forceps  will  answer  for  the  exhibition  of  the  color  of 
[irsenic,  even  though  the  salts  be  arsen'ates,  whose  bases  possess 
the  property  of  imparting  their  peculiar  color  to  the  flane, 
such  as  the  arseniate  of  lime 


Initiatoet     Analysis.  65 


C.       THE    GREEN    COLOR. 

(a.)  Ammonia. — The  salts  of  ammonia,  when  heated  before 
tlie  blowpipe,  and  just  upon  the  point  of  disappearing,  impart 
to  the  flame  a  feeble  though  dark  green  color.  This  color, 
however,  can  only  be  discerned  in  a  dark  room. 

(b.)  Boradc  Add. — If  any  one  of  the  borates  is  mixed  with 
two  parts  of  a  flux  composed  of  one  part  of  pulverized  fluor- 
spar, and  four  and  a  half  parts  of  bisulphate  of  potash,  and 
after  being  melted,  is  put  upon  the  coil  of  a  platinum  wire, 
and  held  at  the  point  of  the  blue  flame,  soon  after  fusion  takes 
place  a  dark  green  color  is  discerned,  but  it  is  not  of  long 
duration.  The  above  process  is  that  recommended  by  Dr.- 
Turner.  The  green  color  of  the  borates  may  be  readily  seen 
by  dipping  them,  previously  moistened  with  sulphuric  acid, 
into  the  upper  part  of  the  blue  flame,  when  the  color  can 
be  readily  discerned.  If  soda  be  present,  then  the  rich  green 
of  the  boracic  acid  is  marred  by  the  yellow  of  the  soda.  Borax, 
or  the  biborate  of  soda  (NaO,  2BO3)  may  be  used  for  this 
latter  reaction,  but  if  it  be  moistened  with  sulphuric  acid,  the 
green  of  the  boracic  acid  can  then  be  seen.  If  the  borates, 
or  minerals  which  contain  boracic  acid,  are  fused  on  charcoal 
with  carbonate  of  potash,  then  moistened  with  sulphuric  acid 
and  alcohol,  then  the  bright  green  of  the  boracic  acid  is  pro- 
duced, even  if  the  mineral  contains  but  a  minute  portion  of 
the  boracic  acid. 

(c.)  Copper.  Nearly  all  the  ores  of  copper  and  its  salts, 
give  a  bright  green  color  to  the  blowpipe  flame.  Metallic 
copper  likewise  colors  the  flame  green,  being  first  oxidized. 
If  iodine,  chlorine,  and  bromine  are  present,  the  flame  is  con- 
siderably modified,  but  the  former  at  least  intensifies  the  color. 
Many  ores  containing  copper  also  color  the  flame  green,  but 
the  internal  portion  is  of  a  bright  blue  color  if  the  compound 
contains  lead,  the  latter  color  being  due  to  the  lead.  Tho 
native  sulphide  and  carbonate  of  copper  should  be  moistened 


GO  The     B  l  o  w  p  i  r  e  . 

with  sulplinric  acid,  while  the  former  shoiikl  be  previously 
roasted.  If  hydrochloric  acid  is  used  for  moistening  the  salts, 
then  the  rich  green  given  by  that  moistened  with  the  sulphuric 
acid  is  changed  to  a  blue,  being  thus  modified  by  the  chlorine 
of  the  acid.  Silicates  containing  copper,  if  heated  in  the  flame 
in  the  platinum  forceps,  impart  a  rich  green  color  to  the  outer 
flame.  In  fact,  if  any  substance  containing  copper  be  sub- 
mitted to  the  blowpipe  flame,  it  will  tinge  it  green,  provided 
there  be  no  other  substance  present  to  impart  its  own  color 
to  the  flame,  and  thus  modify  or  mar  that  of  the  copper. 

(d.)  Tellurium. — If  the  flame  of  reduction  is  directed  upon 
the  oxide  of  tellurium  placed  upon  charcoal,  a  green  color  is 
imparted  to  it.  If  the  telluric  acid  be  placed  upon  platinum 
wire  in  the  reduction  flame,  the  oxidation  flame  is  colored 
green.  Or  if  the  sublimate  be  dissipated  by  the  flame  of 
oxidation,  it  gives  a  green  color.  If  selenium  be  present,  the 
green  color  is  changed  to  a  blue. 

(e.)  Zinc. — The  oxide  of  zinc,  when  strongly  heated,  gives  a 
blue  flame.  This  is  especially  the  case  in  the  reducing  flame. 
The  flame  is  a  small  one,  however,  and  not  very  characteristic, 
as  with  certain  preparations  of  zinc  the  blue  color  is  changed 
to  a  bright  white.     The  soluble  salts  of  zinc  give  no  blue  color. 

(/.)  Baryta. — The  soluble  salts  of  baryta,  moistened,  and 
then  submitted  to  the  reduction  flame,  produce  a  green  color. 
The  salt  should  be  moistened,  when  the  color  will  be  strongly 
marked  in  the  outer  flame.  The  insoluble  salts  do  not  produce 
so  vivid  a  color  as  the  soluble  salts,  and  they  are  brighter  when 
they  have  previously  been  moistened.  The  carbonate  does 
not  give  a  strong  color,  but  the  acetate  does,  so  long  as  it  is  not 
allowed  to  turn  to  a  carbonate.  The  chloride,  when  fused  on 
the  platinum  wire,  in  the  point  of  the  reduction  flame,  imparts 
a  fine  green  color  to  the  oxidation  flame.  This  tint  changes 
finally  to  a  faint  du'ty  green  color.  The  sulj^hate  of  baryta 
colors  the  flame  green  when  heated  at  the  point  of  the  reduc- 
tion flame.  But  neither  the  sulphate,  carbonate,  nor,  in  fact, 
o>  V  other  salt  of  barvta,  a-ives  such  a  fine  screen  color  as  the 


Initiatory     Analysis.  67 

chloride.  The  presence  of  lime  does  interfere  with  the  reac- 
tion of  baryta,  but  still  does  not  destroy  its  color. 

(g.)  Phosphoric  Add. — The  phosphates  give  a  green  color 
to  the  oxidation  flame,  especially  when  they  are  moistened 
with  sulphuric  acid.  This  is  best  shown  with  the  platinum 
forceps.  The  green  of  phosphoric,  or  the  phosphates,  is  much 
less  intense  than  that  of  the  borates  or  boracic  acid,  but  yet  the 
reaction  is  a* certain  one,  and  is  susceptible  of  considerable 
delicacy,  either  with  the  forceps,  or  still  better  upon  platinum 
wire.  Sulphuric  acid  is  a  great  aid  to  the  derelopment 
of  the  color,  especially  if  other  salts  be  present  which  would 
be  liable  to  hide  the  color  of  the  phosphoric  acid.  In  this 
reaction  with  phosphates,  the  water  should  be  expelled  from 
them  previous  to  melting  them  with  sulphuric  acid.  They 
should  likewise  be  pulverized.  Should  soda  be  present  it  will 
only  exhibit  its  pecuhar  color  after  the  phosphoric  acid  shall 
have  been  expelled  ;  therefore,  the  green  color  of  the  phos- 
phoric acid  should  be  looked  for  immediately  upon  submitting 
the  phosphate  to  heat. 

(A.)  Molyhdic  Acid. — If  this  acid  or  the  oxide  of  molybde- 
num be  exposed  upon  a  platinum  wire  to  the  point  of  the 
reduction  flame,  a  bright  green  color  is  communicated  to  the 
flame  of  oxidation.  Take  a  small  piece  of  the  native  sulphide 
of  molybdenum,  and  expose  it  in  the  platinum  tongs  to  the 
flame  referred  to  above,  when  the  green  color  characteristic  of 
this  metal  will  be  exhibited. 

(i.)  Telluric  Acid. — If  the  flame  of  reduction  is  directed 
upon  a  small  piece  of  the  oxide  of  tellurium  placed  upon  char- 
coal, a  bright  green  color  is  produced.  Or  if  telluric  acid  be 
submitted  to  the  reduction  flame  upon  the  loop  of  a  platinum 
wire,  it  communicates  to  the  outer  flame  the  bright  green  of 
tellurium.  If  the  sublimate  found  upon  the  charcoal  in  the 
first  experiment  be  submitted  to  the  blowpipe  flame,  the  green 
color  of  tellurium  is  produced  while  the  sublimate  is  volatilized. 
If  selenium  be  present  the  green  color  is  changed  to  a  deep 
blue  one 


C3  T  n  E     B  L  o  w  r  I  p  K. 


1).       YELLOW. 

The  salts  of  soda  all  give  a  bright  yellow  color  when  heated 
in  the  platinum  loop  in  the  reduction  flame.  This  color  is 
very  persistent,  and  will  destroy  the  color  of  almost  any  other 
substance.  Every  mineral  of  which  soda  is  a  constituent, 
give  this  bright  orange-yellow  reaction.  Even  the  silicate  of 
soda  itself  imparts  to  the  flame  of  oxidation  the  characteristic 
yellow  of  soda. 

E.       RED. 

(a.)  Strontia. — Moisten  a  small  piece  of  the  chloride  of 
strontium,  put  it  in  the  platinum  forceps  and  submit  it  to  the 
flame  of  reduction,  when  the  outer  flame  wdll  become  colored 
of  an  intense  red.  If  the  salt  of  strontia  should  be  a  soluble 
one,  the  reaction  is  of  a  deeper  color  than  if  an  insoluble  salt 
is  used,  while  the  color  is  of  a  deeper  crimson  if  the  salt  is 
moistened.  If  the  salt  be  a  soluble  one,  it  should  be  moistened 
and  dipped  into  the  flame,  while  if  it  be  an  insoluble  salt,  it 
should  be  kept  dry  and  exposed  beyond  the  point  of  the  flame. 
The  carbonate  of  strontia  should  be  moistened  with  hydro- 
chloric acid  instead  of  water,  by  which  its  color  similates  that 
of  the  chloride  of  strontium  when  moistened  with  water.  In 
consequence  of  the  decided  red  color  which  strontia  commu- 
nicates to  flame,  it  is  used  by  pyrotechnists  for  the  purpose  of 
making  their  "crimson  fire." 

(J).)  Lithia. — The  color  of  the  flame  of  lithia  is  slightly 
inclined  to  purple.  The  chloride,  when  placed  in  the  platinum 
loop,  gives  to  the  outer  flame  a  bright  red  color,  sometimes 
with  a  slight  tinge  of  purple.  Potash  does  not  prevent  this 
reaction,  although  it  may  modify  it  to  violet ;  but  the  decided 
color  of  soda  changes  the  red  of  lithia  to  an  orange  color.  If 
much  soda  be  present,  the  color  of  the  lithia  is  lost  entirely. 
The  color  of  the  chloride  of  lithium  may  be  distinctly  produced 
before  the  point  cf  the  blue  flame,  and  its  durability  may  be 


Initiatory     Analysis.  G9 

the  means  of  determining  it  from  that  of  lithium,  as  the  latter, 
under  the  same  conditions,  is  quite  evanescent.  The  minerals 
which  contain  liihia,  frequently  contain  soda,  and  thus  the  lat- 
ter destroys  the  color  of  the  former. 

(c.)  Potash. — The  salts  of  potash,  if  the  acid  does  not  inter- 
fere, give  a  purplish-red  color  before  the  blowpipe  ;  but  as  the 
color  is  more  discernibly  a  purple,  we  have  classed  it  under  that 
color. 

{d.)  Lime. — The  color  of  the  flame  of  lime  does  not  greatly 
differ  from  that  of  strontia,  with  the  exception  that  it  is  not  so 
decided.  Arragonite  and  calcareous  spar,  moistened  with  hydro- 
chloric acid,  and  tried  as  directed  for  strontia,  produce  a  red 
light,  not  unlike  that  of  strontia.  The  chloride  of  calcium  gives 
a  red  tinge,  but  not  nearly  so  decided  as  the  chloride  of  strontium. 
The  carbonate  of  lime  will  produce  a  yellowish  flame  for  a  while, 
until  the  carbonic  acid  is  driven  ofi*,  when  the  red  color  of  the 
lime  may  be  discerned. 

If  the  borate  or  phosphate  of  lime  be  used,  the  green  color 
of  the  acids  predominates  over  the  red  of  the  lime.  Baryta  also 
destroys  the  red  color  of  the  lune,  by  mixing  its  green  colpr 
with  it.  There  is  but  one  silicate  of  lime  which  colors  the 
flame  red,  it  is  the  variety  termed  tabular  spar. 

5.    EXAMINATIONS    IN    THE    BORAX    BEAD. 

In  order  to  examine  a  substance  in  borax,  the  loop  of  the 
platinum  wire  should,  after  being  thoroughly  cleaned,  and 
heated  to  redness,  be  quickly  dipped  into  the  powdered 
borax,  and  then  quickly  transferred  to  the  flame  of  oxidation, 
and  there  fused.  If  the  bead  is  not  large  enough  to  fill  the 
loop  of  the  wire,  it  must  be  subjected  again  to  the  same  pro- 
cess. By  examining  the  bead,  both  when  hot  and  cold,  by 
holding  it  up  against  the  light,  it  can  be  soon  ascertained  whe- 
ther it  is  free  from  dirt  by  the  transparency,  or  the  want  of  it,  of 
the  bead. 

In  order  to  make  the  examination  of  a  substance,  the  bead 


70  T  HE     B  L  c  W  r  I  PE. 

should  be  melted  and  pressed  against  it,  when  enough  will 
adhere  to  answer  the  purpose.  This  powder  should  tlien  be 
fused  in  the  oxidation  flame  until  it  mixes  with,  and  is  tho- 
roughly dissolved  by  the  borax  bead. 

The  principal  objects  to  be  determined  now  are  :  the  color  of 
the  borax  bead,  both  when  heated  and  when  cooled  ;  also  the 
rapidity  with  which  the  substance  dissolves  in  the  bead,  and  if 
any  gas  is  eliminated. 

If  the  color  of  the  bead  is  the  object  desired,  the  quantity  of 
the  substance  employed  must  be  very  small,  else  the  bead  will 
be  so  deeply  colored,  as  in  some  cases  to  appear  almost  opaque, 
as,  for  instance,  in  that  of  cobalt.  Should  this  be  the  case, 
then,  while  the  bead  is  still  red  hot,  it  should  be  pressed  flat 
with  the  forceps  ;  or  it  may,  while  soft,  be  pulled  out  to  a  thin 
thread,  whereby  the  color  can  be  distinctly  discovered. 

Some  bodies,  when  heated  in  the  borax  bead,  present  a  clear 
bead  both  while  hot  and  cold  ;  but  if  the  bead  be  heated 
with  the  intermittent  flame,  or  in  the  flame  of  reduction,  it 
becomes  opalescent,  opaque  or  milk-white.  The  alkaline  earths 
are  instances  of  this  kind  of  reaction,  also  glucina  oxide 
of  cerium,  tautalie  and  titanic  acids,  yttria  and  zircouia. 
But  if  a  small  portion  of  silica  should  be  present,  then  the  bead 
becomes  clear.  This  is  likewise  the  case  with  some  silicates, 
provided  there  be  not  too  large  a  quantity  present,  that  is  :  over 
the  quantity  necessary  to  saturate  the  borax,  for,  in  that  case, 
the  bead  will  be  opaque  when  cool. 

If  the  bead  be  heated  on  charcoal,  a  small  tube  or  cavity 
must  be  scooped  out  of  the  charcoal,  the  bead  placed  in  it,  and 
the  flame  of  reduction  played  upon  it.  When  the  bead  is  per- 
fectly fused,  it  is  taken  up  between  the  platinum  forceps  and 
pressed  flat,  so  that  the  color  may  be  the  more  readily  discerned. 
This  quick  cooling  also  prevents  the  protoxides,  if  there  be  any 
present,  from  passing  into  a  higher  degree  of  oxidation. 

The  bead  should  first  be  submitted  to  the  oxidation  flame, 
and  any  reaction  carefully  observed.  Tiien  the  bead  should  be 
submitted  to  the  flame  of  reduction.     It  must  be  observed  that 


Initiatoey     Analysis.  T1 

the  platinum  forceps  should  not  be  used  when  there  is  danger 
of  a  metallic  oxide  being  reduced,  as  in  this  case  the  metai 
would  alloy  with  the  platinum  and  spoil  the  forceps.  In  this 
case  charcoal  should  be  used  for  the  support.  If,  however, 
there  be  oxides  present  which  are  not  reduced  by  the  borax, 
then  the  platinum  loop  may  be  used.  Tin  is  frequently  used 
for  the  purpose  of  enabhng  the  bead  to  acquire  a  color  for  an 
oxide  in  the  reducing  flame,  by  its  affinity  for  oxygen.  The 
oxide,  thus  being  reduced  to  a  lower  degree  of  oxidation, 
imparts  its  peculiar  tinge  to  the  bead  as  it  cools. 

The  arsenides  and  sulphides,  before  being  examined,  should 
be  roasted,  and  then  heated  with  the  borax  bead.  The  arsenic 
of  the  former,  it  should  be  observed,  will  act  on  the  glass  tube 
in  which  the  sublimation  is  proceeding,  if  the  glass  should 
contain  lead. 

It  should  be  recollected  that  earths,  metallic  oxides,  and 
metalHc  acids  are  soluble  in  borax,  except  those  of  the  easily 
reducible  metals,  such  as  platinum  or  gold,  or  of  mercury,  which 
too  readily  vaporize.  Also  the  metallic  sulphides,  after  the 
sulphur  has  been  driven  off.  Also  the  salts  of  metals,  after 
their  acids  are  driven  off  by  heat.  Also  the  nitrates  and  car- 
bonates, after  their  acids  are  driven  off  during  the  fusion. 
Also  the  salts  of  the  halogens,  such  as  the  chlorides,  iodides, 
bromides,  etc.,  of  the  metals.  Also  the  silicates,  but  with 
great  tardiness.  Also  the  phosphates  and  borates  that  fuse  in 
the  bead  without  suffering  decomposition.  The  metallic  sul- 
phides are  insoluble  in  borax,  and  many  of  the  metals  in  the 
pure  state. 

There  are  many  substances  which  give  clear  beads  with 
borax  both  while  hot  and  cold,  but  which,  upon  being  heated 
with  the  intermittent  oxidation  flame,  become  enamelled  and 
opaque.  The  intermittent  flame  may  be  readily  attained, 
not  by  varying  the  force  of  the  air  from  the  mouth,  but  by 
raising  and  depressing  the  bead  before  the  point  of  the  steady 
oxidating  flame.  The  addition  of  a  little  nitrate  of  potasli 
will  often  greatly  facilitate  the  production  of  a  color,  as  it 


72  T  H  E     B  L  o  w  p  I  r  E  . 

oxidizes  the  metal.  The  hot  bead  should  be  pressed  upon  a 
small  crystal  of  the  nitrate,  when  the  bead  swells,  intumesces 
and  the  color  is  manifested  in  the  surface  of  the  bead. 


0.       EXAMINATIONS    IN    MICROCOSMIC    SALT. 

Microcosmic  salt  is  a  better  flux  for  many  metallic  oxides 
than  borax,  as  the  colors  are  exhibited  in  it  with  more  strength 
and  character.  Microcosmic  salt  is  the  phosphate  of  soda  and 
ammonia.  When  it  is  ignited  it  passes  into  the  biphosphate 
of  soda,  the  ammonia  being  driven  off.  This  bij^hosphate  of 
soda  possesses  an  excess  of  phosphoric  acid,  and  thus  has 
the  property  of  dissolving  a  great  number  of  substances,  in 
fact  almost  any  one,  with  the  exception  of  silica.  If  the 
substances  treated  with  this  salt  consist  of  sulphides  or  arse- 
nides, the  bead  must  be  heated  on  charcoal.  But  if  the 
substance  experimented  upon  consists  of  earthly  ingredients 
or  metaUic  oxides,  the  platinum  wire  is  the  best.  If  the  latter 
is  used  a  few  additional  turns  should  be  given  to  the  wire  in 
consequence  of  the  greater  fluidity  of  the  bead  over  that  of 
borax.  The  microcosmic  salt  bead  possesses  the  advantage 
over  that  of  borax,  that  the  colors  of  many  substances  are 
better  discerned  in  it,  and  that  it  separates  the  acids,  the  more 
volatile  ones  being  dissipated,  while  the  fixed  ones  combine 
with  a  portion  of  the  base  equally  with  the  phosphoric  acid, 
or  else  do  not  combine  at  all,  but  float  about  in  the  bead,  as 
is  the  case  particularly  with  silicic  acid.  Many  of  the 
silicates  give  with  borax  a  clear  bead,  while  they  form  with 
microcosmic  salt  an  opalescent  one. 

It  frequently  happens,  that  if  a  metallic  oxide  will  not  give 
its  peculiar  color  in  one  of  the  flames,  that  it  will  in  the  other, 
as  the  difiference  in  degree  with  which  the  metal  is  oxidized 
often  determines  the  color.  If  the  bead  is  heated  in  the  re- 
ducing flame,  it  is  well  that  it  should  be  cooled  rapidly  to 
prevent  a  reoxidation.  Eeduction  is  much  facilitated  by  the 
employment    of  metallic    tin,    whereby   the    protoxide   or  the 


Initiatory     Analpsis.  73 

reduced   metal    may   be   obtained   ia   a   comparatively   brief 
time. 

The  following  tables,  taken  from  Plattner  and  Sberer,  will 
present  the  reactions  of  the  metallic  oxides,  and  some  of  the 
metallic  acids,  in  such  a  clear  light,  that  the  student  cannot 
very  easily  be  led  astray,  if  he  gives  the  least  attention  to  them. 
It  frequently  happens  that  a  tabular  statement  of  reactions 
will  impress  facts  upon  the  memory  when  long  detailed  descrip- 
tions will  fail  to  do  so.  It  is  for  this  purpose  that  we  subjoin 
the  following  excellent  tables. 


TABLE    I 


#,    BORAX.  B.     MICROCOSMIC  SALf* 

1.  Oxydizing  flame.  1.  Oxydizing  flame. 

2.  Reducing       "  2,  Reducing       " 


The     Blowpipe 


*3  ^ 


11 


QJ    O 


§l1.i| 


^     o    —    -tJ 


O 
S  -^  '><    CJ    =? 


ti       2  =:  c«  = 

~     O    —  T  •—    O 
2    B    ^3i?    g 


CC^Or-ip;a2i-:3SCK-it5E-(0 


^    O        CO 


Alumina 
Oxide  of  Tin 
Telluric  Acid 

B 

3 

1 

'o 

Zinc 

Cadmium 

Lead 

Bismuth 

Antimony 

ll 

Lime 

Magnesia 

Glucina 

Yttria 

Zirconia 

Thoria 

Oxide  of 

Tantalic 

Niobic 

Pelopic 

Titanic 

Tungstic 

Molybdic 

Oxide  of 

-33 
3    3    s 

Table    I.     A 


7^7 


• 

• 

Oxide  of  Cerium  with  interm.  flame  opaque 
white;. 

Oxide  of  Iron,  yellovr 

Oxide  of  Uranium  with  interm.  flame  opaque 
yellow. 

Oxide  of  Silver  in  large  proportion,  with  in- 
term. flame  opaline. 

Vanadic  Acid,  yellow. 

Oxide  of  Nickel,  reddish-brown. 
"       "  Manganese,  red  to  violet. 

£ 

's 

>-> 

o 
o 

r2 
o 

6 

s 

3 

"a 
o 

I 

o 

o 

a 

^  ^" 

o- 

■§. 

O 

i 
i 

O 

i 

a 

s 
s 

o 

o 
o 

r2 
o 

When  in  large 

quantity. 
Otherwise    co- 
lorless. 

Oxide  of  Nickel 
"       "  Manganese 
"       "  Didymium 

1 

o 

& 

1 

Titanic  Acid,  yellow 

Tungstic  "         " 

Molybdic  "     dark-yellow 

Oxide  of  Zinc,  pale-yellow 
"       "  Cadmium,  pale-yellow 
"      "  Lead,  yellow 
"       "  Bismuth,  orange 
"       "  Antimony,  yellow 
"       "  Cerium,  red 
*'     .  "  Iron,  dark-red 
*'       "  Uranium,  red 
"       ".  Silver 

Vanadic  Acid,  yellow 

Oxide  of  Chromium,  dark-red 

1 
o 
o 

Cm 
O 

■§ 

Yellow, 
orange  red,  and 
reddish-brown. 

a 

o 

78 


The     B  l  o  w  p i r 


P5 


|s| 


►-  c  -2 

5^  = 


a 

tc>^ 

o 

c 

f' 

ft 

to 

fcc 

o 

o 

^ 

&3 

a 

'<J 

-< 

_>^ 

o 

^1 

Si 

r  c5  OJ 


iX!  <^  O  cq  cc  t-^ 


03    cS 


I        a  a 


3     "5  o_^ 

^  eg  g  J  c  .« 
j^  csj  O  H^  P5 -<  J2; 


o  o 


< 


.  -  ij  X 


CQ      O 


o  s   «i 


2  3      -g 


,  o  n  «  ^  -a  ^   -S  -73 


-^      s 


3      :5  o  _ 

as  N  o  1^  « -<  Jz;  ^ 


5:2 
1-5  S  O  t>-i  Cs3  H  O 


-13 

HO 


^  o  o 
.2-3  3 


3     o 


Table    I.     A 


79 


'I    l"^ 


•  "5 

OH 


§    th-7. 


^  ^  2  o 


to 


O   S   =2   S 

§  I  2.-2 


tC^   fl    o 

c  ^  o  a 
o       o  o 


3       "tS   o 

oQ  tQ  Q  H^  w -<^  ;2;  _2 


•73  ^     ^ 


3  -, 

•rr   a. 


o  -    -    :; 
O  *S  tJ  "J 

.■§  §  o  3 


.H  a 


^ti^o 


-s  ..  s^ 


l|5 

2o  S 


0.5rS      O 

<1  ■;3    oj   as 


IS  - 
o 


J    t»  1^  "o  '^ 

^  ^  "  .2 


a. 
o 
o 


o 

is 


rti.ll 

&  «  2  2  ^^ 

eg    f-i    S    rr    I-* 
OC.5*§   3 


=!  .2 
O  »- 


80 


The     Blow  pip 


i  ^ 


"fi  J;  IS 


r «    S   O 


h'5 


S 


r    .2    rt    <^ 


"in  o 

11 

03     — 


t50H5PQ<1 


.-=  -5   X   o  rt  r 


II 


c:  o 


ei-  =   s   e= 
o  ^  o 


«2  "^  ^  ii* 

13    O   c''^ 


fee 


r5 


w   ts 


rt  -S  .=  J2  -=  i^  ±  ^    s«^ 


si 

..2  O^ 


PQ 


Table    I.     B. 


81 


rt       o.H 


h5  52;P^ 


^S 


C3     fl 


rt    Oh 
O    O 


£  §^  2 

fc^  ^n  bO 


C3    C    3 


l^o 


>-. 


12 

'3  - 


S  3 

'a 

TS  9 


nil ...-1i 


r3   ci, 

•-5  o 

'o  'p 
ISO 


4'^ 


82 


T  HE       B  L  O  W  I'  I  P  E 


i  g  d 

«=    fl   ^ 


a 

tf; 

S^ 

o 

o 

o 

% 

fcX) 

to 

O 

r/1 

o 

> 

'<'aO 


o  5^        c; 


r    C3    O  .-    rt  .X  ^  .5    ci    Q  .-    . 


iJil^ 


J   I 


^        -^   C   c3   c  .E^   ^  •-;: 

o  2  fcx;  ^  i 


—  -^  .i:  —  *^ 

c>-i  s:  H  o 


o  =  ^ 

Wo    ffl 

m 


"o 

w 


cS-< 


'  =«        _       .^  ^       ^*-  ^ 

io^.3       Wee      .S^o- 

'   X   rt  i3  .S  ^  -:=  ^  .==  ^  >;  " 
O  tt  02  hJ  ;^  O  kH  N  H  O 


•5  .H  >>  ^^  S 
h:5  ^  «  S  i^  02 


^S^^a 


HO 


5 


Table    I 


83 


.X  ^  ?;  CO 

O    3 

■&  3 


•3  " 

.2  -^ 
2S 


^:2-s 


•s  So 


s 

p 

*E 

o 

o 

o 

oSf>o 


,2 

1:3  <1 


^  2 


<1 


►^   ^    Ei         O 

<u  1=3  o  c3  "7;  ^ 
Pc   cj   t.  -M  .y   -y 

HI  'o  'o    3 

®  o.2-Ei-   - 

,2'5  f=^^ 

OE-IF4  P=< 


-Si 

3  ^    != 


Q 


1^ 


"rf  ^   3 


—  r2 

o  '3  rd 

r-3     fcC^ 


S^    3 

OH 


p-1 

Org 
oS 


5      €§ 

-  2  ^  S  .2  c  .2 :2 

oi  S3  o  h^  «  <1  ;zi  « 


"I 


o  o, 
.2  S 


o 


^ti^^° 


^^G,. 


5  a^.2  § 
S  ja  g  3  .5 


3    « 


^-9 

3.2 

£L  a; 

O   *- 


TABLE   II. 


8G 


The     Blowpipe 


^ 


t53 

to 


^   o   £   c:   o  w   -- 

C  CS    ^    C    rt    _, 

g'H^§:goo 

o  ^-^  i^   I   S   c 
*"'  "o   ^-'  'P  .^  -^    5 


o  "C  o  c   o  '-3 


111 

O   m    c3 

-  i  ^ 

■^  o  o 

w  ^    ^ 

<^  2  2  2 


fcO 


^  -3  'd    ^-73 
_r  o   o 


a  o 
S  o 
O    G 


E?  o  =: 


&b 


-^  a 


tc: 


^"o  i  ^  -^  ^  =^ 


-    _  -  -  «  £  5  ^  S  ^ 

IB     O  

-5     S?—  '« 


i-1|-ilg| 


^3  .^  yr;   o  c 


fcc 


op 

'?<  s 

O    3 


^§21 

o  o  o  ^ 

-4J    'i    rr-j 

•"     IS     t^   02 
IM  C 

o    —     O 


g  =*  rf 


Table     II. 


87 


■    O       i-    13 


So.:: 


=3    „ 


.    "J  "5    C3    _,    u-J 


2;^  I  o  ^-3 

s  1:5  ^  2  3 

g  c  o  ';3  ^ 


3 

§^ 

o  ^ 

CO    +J 

c 

_r  o   o   e3   o  "tf    • 

>< 

o 

c 
o 
o 

«3 

^.2 
o  « 

o 
o 

o 

bead    is   obtain 
hich,  however, 
hyst-color  may 
ght  out  by  addin 
nitre.     While 
is   kept   fused 
s  and  gives  ott'  b 
of  gas. 

S 

§  2 

"S 

senilis 

C*  ci 

.Q 

^ ,~  c3  ^  ;=:  ^  c;  -2 

i  =*  t^^  ^  ':f  2 


>  2  5 

c:  1^  -^S  •"    --  —  .-, 

•^!Eo.i!|-r 


1^1  I  ^^3o 

o   o   o  -^  •;n  •"  -" 
O  ^  .^    C    ci    c3 


Si 

«    ^ 

H 

II 

3S  vio- 
antity 
ces  an 
bead, 
press- 
to   be 

C 

ci    o 

S  ^^^'^  - 

II 

§1 

ItMil 

tea 

O  'S 

tC-5  -^    >.  fe  .«2    C3 

coolin 
ger    a 
vcd. 

r?2    •« 
•p     CO 

^  2 

coolin 
.     A 
the  oxi 
parentl 
ich  ho 

flat, 
nspare 

c  ^  o 

rt 

s:s- i-'^'s  c 

O  ^    m 

-^ 

« 

c«d 

«M         _ 

OQ 

C    o 

O       " 

Ci    G>  rj  ' 

:2  s 

«^ 

^•^ 

S 

bS 


Tii 


I]  I.  O  W  I'  I  P  E  . 


1 

c 

c 
.2 

o 

s 

O 

sively 

rus- 

ditiou 

oniGS, 

first 

color- 

n 

ryj      ^    r-J 

o 

ci  't; 

^  ^  c. 

%    fcOE 

Tl 

o        o 

„  a  o 

1 

'Pi 
o 

5 

he  glass 

cooli 

and   th 

3 

^ 

o 

c 

.2  = 
11 

•s.a  5 

'-^ 

f^  ci 

is 

O    r-.  m 

O'^  tr. 

O    i 

b  c  t»  <i>  ^ 
•J  ^i^l  t-^S-S  ^ 


J:  7:  *^  -^  •:3  :2'  £       ^    .-^  ^  tc  fe 
.  o 


^g2a's  = 

=^  C    C    M  *^ 


_    ^    ^^.r-  ;-.    C    M 


d  f  2  S  °  '-3 .2f  rt  .2  -6  ^  -S  o  'a 


-^  = 


o 

si  to 

o  >-:§ 

^  '3  o 

t>  o 

"  c  to 
"3  "^  .5 


"^  m    yr'n  -^ 


fcctj 


00  S  ?i 


?^  M       i  K  ,:  jj 


o 
o 


0   E  .ti   «  o 


?^   P   r  -^   3 


CO 


-"^^    .      ei 


.^ 

--^  ^  I-' 

.—     0—1 

0  ^ 

>     >-     Kl 

.;::. 

^    0    ci 

-S-^ 

0 

-2  "^-5 
111 

0    "^  -— 

r3    .  -  ci 

■£  'T?  -^ 

lOunt,  da 
irm,  and 
icn  cold. 

r     ^     9 

0    C    E 

•-:    t»    ^ 

=0  s-g 

CS    JJ    +j 

'fcb'3  2 


O  c 

o 


Table    II. 


89 


^   .    , 

o  ;.     •  :;  -s  .--^  '^'^  L 

t:mum 

1  Avii 
bea 

eh  a 
tin 

econ 

and 

con 

re 

bea 

ains 

a  ^       r:  ^       tooras 

.iis|.^|l^ig         ■ 

^^      Wr^-rt      H-S      fcC-5      1 

t:^  jjoociic^^ 

C.    p   -iJ    o            jj  .^    <^    ^jj 

w 

??0 

"3 

>-'S  "^ 

2  2 

^  o 

9, 

1^^ 

o 

1  1 

s 

Hi 

> 

'o 

which 

n  coo 

addi 

,  the  g 
lile  ho 
cold. 

^   u   o 

S.  ^  9. 

c  a, 

^ 

'O 

w    rt 

o 

.2  „,^ 

<y 

ci 

«^  f-i  5? 

<v 

:h  o  a 

^ 

X   o   & 

O   «    d 

i  c^  6 


c£- 


'     c3 

o 
^  o 


o  o  a  ^  2  I  ^  .3  "^  § 

2  -^^  1-3 
^  -  -  ci  o  ::;  «  •-"  ^    ^.^^ , 


tJ3  «' 


t^-^-r. 


to 

o     ^  o 

G    O 


<i4^-=r 


^  V   ci 


-t:   O   O  ^   C  — 

a  O  -a    O    =3   - 

-3  ^  =:  ^ 

°     ^  s  ^  ^ 

S  2  S  =^:5  £    • 
^  -^  fcc  9  -^  -^  -^ 

^    (^    -J    ^    C    o    o 


-'S^^:£    ^ 


O  -^ 


90 


The     B  l  0  w  r I p 


O    t^.TS     '     O  *» 

c 

•r:   o   o   £  -^^   O 

s 

to 

(Z 

n3 

o 

O 

■^ 

1  s   .  £  £  "l 

frH 

OJ 

^^^a  ^'^ 

,^ 

-< 

"   p:   o  .-.  -^   ° 

.9 

a   O    S  3    o    ^ 

. 

<D   O   ei 

2 

to+- 

1 

' 

^  s|^ 

• 

q=l 

M 

fc-  'p 

fco 

g 

a 

O 

'n 

^ 

t>.2    „ 

o  to 

o 

^ 

Hi 

.s 

'^       cs  el 

^      O     O      =* 


jj     03     O  "73  -^ 


fee  O  -^3  ^    3  ^ 

ci      r-      ci     t)      C3    t^ 

.2  0  &J3  £  .5  '^ 


.  ^  S  =«  c  ^ 

!  1 1  :S  .2  -i 

j   o   o  ^  ^   a> 


B    3 


g  5  o  ^  g 


3.   O  -u>    '/>«>>■ 


-rs  •"  ^  o 

W      Q      >   J3 

.2    G    ^    > 


;=;  -^  -^ 

§  s  § 


O    CO 
O    M 


<u    O   O   o 

.       ri2      CO 


<U 


05 -gg^ 


oo 


:N 


Table    II 


91 


1^    .1 

.3  '5    '^ 


a  g  i  s  a 

"Ts    OQ  ^    O . 

o'So-a'S  g^ 
:o  fcjoo.2 


d       o 

O  -73  3 

d  o% 

_    ci    d 
eS   O  ^ 


:2  d  2 

;^  §  to 

«  2  =*  S 

s^=3  i 

O    3 

o  O  d  .3 

'^  i^i 

d  J«^  J 


yellow  tinge,  while  hot, 
which     disappears     on 
cooling,  and  when  per- 
fectly saturated,  becomes 
milk-white. 

As  with  borax,  but  a 
larger  addition  of  oxide, 
required   to   produce   a 
yellow  color  in  the  warm 
bead 

metallic  cadmium  is  vo- 
latilized and  incrusts  the 
charcoal  with  its  char- 
acteristic   deep    yellow 
oxide. 

The  plumbiferous  glass 
spreads  out  on  charcoal, 
becomes  turbid,  bubbles 
up,  until  the  whole   of 
the    oxide   is    reduced, 
when  it  again  becomes 
clear.      It  is,  however, 
difficult  to  bring  the  lead 
together  into  a  bead. 

,1    m   a  +=>   ^  o  JL 

S   S   ^   3   ?^  «  O 

•1   i^  g,.^   ^  S  « 

O   S   <=   1'^  I  S 

O-^StT    S    r;  5  ° 

^  fl>  --  ^  d  ^rt  d 

a,  «3    O    ^  qa  c3  w  .d 


;  ^  A  «i^  d 

>      O.S    rQ      OS 


o  .^ 
O    cj    ^ 

M    »    o3 


<a  ' 


P    cj 


o  rd  c   d 
t   OS   3   <u 

S  fcfituod 

O    d    d    "^ 

^  .d  .d  u 


.tS  o  d 

aj  -ji  °  fcb 
d  12  °^  d 

^  »*  3  o 
I^  *^  o  o 

■t^    OJ    O    o 

s  t«^  d 

isis 

S  ■S^:d 
-g  =°  ?^  o 


S  3 


oo 

12  Pi 


02 


TuE    Blowpipe. 


pq 


S 
to 


a  a    . 

O  ;»■ 

fcDfl    " 
S    ®    S 

2  1 .9 


!7fcDO 

S  a-- 
H^  o 


fl  s:   ?   o 


•-H  o  o  g 


ill 


O 


tJO 


Oli 


a  ^ 


^  1: 13  o 

f  -»  00  " 

-r  5a  -r  fl- 

fcJG  cS    ?  c3 


5 
.3 

s 

d 
0 

0 

s 

1 

0 
0 

.9 

A  glass  containing  but 
httle  oxide  undergoes  no 
change.    If  much  of  the 
latter  be  present,  a  part 
may   be   reduced   upon 
charcoal. 

A   glass    becomes    at 
first    grey    and    turbid, 
then  begins  to  effervesce, 
which  action   continues 
during  the  reduction  of 

1 

.9 
0 

ci 

"o 
P5 

0 

S 

to 

s 

*>? 
0 
© 
■s. 

In  small  quantity  dis- 
solves   slowly     into     a 
clear     colorless     glass, 
which,    when    cold,    re- 
mains clear,  and  cannot 
be  rendered  opaque  with 
an    intermittent    flame. 
If    a    saturated    bead, 
which  has  been  allowed 
to  cool,  be  reheated  to 
incipient  redness,  it  loses 
its    rounded    form    and 
exhibits  imperfect  crys- 
taUization. 

Dissolves  readily  to  a 
dear   glass  which  with 
a  small  amount  of  the 
oxide   is    yellow,   while 
warm,      and      becomes 

i:b 


Table    II. 


93 


-C3        h. 


g  o  ^  § 

°  I  o^ 

o  f  o  o 

o  ?  o  o 


x»  «  is 

o  -r;   t-  o 


9   ^ 


c3    S,15 


f-   o  fl       — 

5^    O    02    0^2 

d  ^   J     Cn-d     ^~   g     g     S 


=j    ^    S 


rt     03     CC 


^    3    £P 

O    o  .5 


^  ,1,  d 
ej  'd  -d 

sfll 

»     ^     M 

o  s  o 


.t^  q^  -^   £  o 

O  =3  O 

r3  "3  ^   m  ^ 


o  o  .g  o  d 


O    C3    d 
.d     rt 

S  S  ^^ 


O    cc 


o       o.2d^P2g=«'^ 

Orfl=!3oci'^.d.-gO^ 

fi--lFII  Sills 

^ro*-ld^«o^ii=^"^^'- 


o  o 


fcC  1 


o  -^ 
Zi  T3 


^    O    O 
tn         P. 


o  CI 


3  aT-a  ^  ^  ^  :d 

«^-d    ci    O   § 

tfl  ^-  ;r  I  S  ° 

^  J   O   o   O   <y 


s.-::.;^ 


o  "^  g  -d^l  o  S 
rd  X  -s  ^  <^  'o  =d 

«   O    ^  tC    iJC  C    33 


o2 

O    3 

.  a 


«t3 


1)4: 


The     Blowpipe. 


-u  "^^  7;   o  ^ 


p      'B  ri  a  '^ 
■^  a  a   -   '-  ^ 


5  «:2c§' 

2  S  o  g  g  44 

O    M    «    fc!  o    ^  -tJ 

-^    OS        ^  o  'S  •-' 


O  o  rt  rt  g 


X    w    "    n 


D  w   O    fci  .S    P 


fl    c3^  c„ 


2.^^-3  1  Sis  «oS_ 


O    5J    O    S    ?^ 


O    =     .    52 


ci    rt 


r <V^i^<^>-i;j  f — ^o 


^g 


h  cT.g  ^  -3 


§  ""  2  o  o  0:2  ^ 
,2ocjo/2ceocr 


s 

to 


a  tx)  >>  ci 


ay    O)     ^ 
I    «    I 


D-2 


^ 


5  "^ 

fc/i'2 

2  S 


:S  9  o 


tec--  i  0.-2  ^-^^og 

— '  •  "*^  '^  Ti3  '^  w  cr- 

o  o  ri   ^  ti) 
•5  "5  "fcc  o  .9 


rt  o  rt  rt  t:  "5  ^ 

a  :3    o   <K    r^    ^    r^ 

o  a  o  ^  c^ 


.  rt  S  o 
I       ^  o 


f^.2 


^j  o  — ' 


Ph^ 


o 

.9  ^^ 


D-  fcb^ 


S  =^  s 

O  "o  73  -O 


00 


6S. 


O   bO 
O    3 


"?^ 


ABLE 


II 


95 


.2 

CO 

* 

As  in  borax. 

Both  the  oxide  and  the 
metal  afford  a  yellowish 
glass,  which,  when  con- 
taining much  oxide  be- 
comes  opaline,  exhibit- 
ing a  yellow  color  by 
daylight  and  a  red  one 
by  artificial  light. 

i 

o 

On  charcoal  the  argen- 
tiferous glass  becomes  at 
first  grey  from  the  re- 
duced metal,  but  after- 
vi'^ards,  when  the  silver 
is  collected  into  a  bead, 
it  becomes  clear  and  co- 
lorless. 

As   in  the   oxidizing 
flame. 

The    oxide  is   partly 
dissolved  and  partly  re- 
duced.    In  small  quan- 
tity, it  colors  the  glass 
yellow  while  warm,  the 
color    disappearing    on 
cooling.   In  larger  quan- 
tity, the  glass  is  yellow 
while  warm,  but  during 
cooUng  becomes  paler  to 
a  certain  point,  and  then 
again    deeper.      If   re- 
heated slightly,  the  glass 
becomes  opalescent. 

Are   reduced  without ' 
being  dissolved.  The  re- 
duced metal,  being  in- 
fusible, cannot  however 
be  collected  into  a  bead. 

OQ 

Oo 

17.  Oxide  of 
Platinum, 

PtO^ 

18.  Oxide  of 
Palladium, 

PdO^ 

19.  Oxide  of 
lihodium, 

20.  Oxide  of 
Iridium,  Ir^O'. 

9^ 


T  II  K     Blowpipe. 


Ah  :5 


.S  It  ^.^-d^^.S 

6 
E 

to 

o 

1 

-Q 

o  tr  >        "  o        ci 

•"a 

c 

-^ 

c 

-kJ     O     X     03     O    -kJ    -^ 

c3  a 

o 

o 

g 

2-P 

3 

q=l 

.  • 

>^  'I 

fcO 

c3 

^-5 

c 

t. 

'5 

o 

« 

^  »3 

o 

<1 

'Ji    , 

•  — ■    ^ 

.S 

«J 

'o 

ta 


g-Jg 


ft 

to 


i:;^^ 


o 

.;5  o  o 


12  -s  p  :h  3  ?^ 


c-t  s5 


tu 


^  o  ^  —  "5  S 
>  ^  o  ^  (^2 


tr- 


c  t- 
9  fcc 


'-H  "5  "  ^  ^ 


Table     II 


97 


*2    O 


•S  S  S  o  f^  S  S 

o  s   :i        o  .5  «-  ^ 

~   o  ^  -  'tJ  o  ^ 

S  -j^  w  o   ^   ° 


i^    m 


,  O    C 


o  ii 


a       11:0  ."S»^    w 


C    A,    i;    O    O  e« 

._    jj    O  *J  ^    O 

ei    ce    C  -p          CL, 

2"^  J  o  S'5 
®  fcC  =^  g  ;§  "^ 
ro  .3   o   ci   ^  «t-< 

§  .2  a        ^  '-' 

000     c^  -^ 

t-i  -   o  o 


a  t«  o  ^3  c 
2  o  os;  -3  2 
:;3  -t;  "^  -s  c3  .s 


.2  'C  c 

to  a 
vhcii 

pro- 
d,  is 

|i 

•ate 
ot, 
ess 

fl 

5-^1 

0  •§  '^  2 

^   0 

03 

-.-21 

|1 

>..,a 

0  ryf  2 ";:; 

t»  cfc  _5  0 

S  >  2  fcp 

I'?':!  S 

.    2  fcb 

^  c  a 

llil 

s|i| 

0  ou: 

s   0   0  0 

000 

M     ^^     0 

0  .ti  &  >-.^  0 

4.     ««     i    J. 

to 

4ill 

a 

•a 

*    C    £  y 

'2 

.  g  =^^ 

'S 

a  CO  0  — 

0 

or  brow 

bead  a 

amcl-lik 

ider  an 

1 

i 

C! 

•^  "^    C3    = 

3 

0   —  ~    C 

<1 

0 

>-.XS  ^    ci 

•n 

g  :j-:2  o  o  o 


a    ^  ^ 


2  •-  £  bc-^ 

d 

t5  2  ^'  -2  ^ 

--5^--=^  ^ 

d 

^  o2  ^-5 

0 

M     0    S  t3    r-. 

^ 

^.-S  ^  ■>  3 

0 

0 

-!<-i     0   •"             -^ 

d     f-            ^'^ 

2  0  d  c  -a 

0 

d 

c3 

0 

oT^ 

i 

d  '^ 

d 
0 

>^ 

T^.p 

^ 

•5    . 

0 

d 

,-  ^ 

't^  0 

0 

r-; 

s  s 

"-► 

— 

-a  d 

d 

0 

^  ^ 

=^  0 

-^ 

CO 

0 
'0 

0  s 

§1 

c 
0 

0  :S 

S  8 

3 

«  ^  S  =  fcJb 

r  ^  S  o  .S 

,S  '^  :S  il  § 


0  tl* 

0    . 

•dC 

'^9 

■    n 

r,-^ 

8^ 

9S 


The     Blowpipe. 


6 
a 

fco 


>       t^  o 
!         O  -S 


J  5  ca 
to  S 


^     CO     d 

O    »  J- 


^  g  -  g  2  ^  o  ^ 
s  =^  o  9  ^  :^  -^  a 


o  fl  ci  a 

■^    ^     fl    Oi 
t-  O     tH 

O    cc  •  — 

O    P  'O  ^ 
I  Cl(  C;    cS    c3 


_^        o        tc  6  -  o 


rs  ^  ^   to 

J-  a,  o  S 
P  §  5^  cj 


r,     "^     r^  '^ 

CJ      -^  S    . — ! 

-  ^   '   ^c  o  3 


«^|"l  iiil  § 


^^t S  g  2  ^  g  g     ■ 


.'ri  '^ 


oj  T3    to 


S    d    O 


.a  i 

u  ^ 
o    S 

fcfitcS 

o 

|i  o 

o 

^  3 

3    O  "S 

3   " 

p 

ci  _;:; 

o  ^ 

XJ    >    rt 

=:  ^3 

^ 

tt  ;S 

g^. 


•K    o 

c.^ 


Table    II 


99 


With  a  sufficient  dose 
of  the   acid,   the   bead 
becomes  brown  with  a 
violet  tinge.     This  reac- 
tion is  readily  obtained 
upon  charcoal.    Sulphate 
of  iron  renders  the  bead 
blood-red. 

On  charcoal  the  satu- 
rated glass  becomes  at 
first  dull,  but  as  soon  as 
the  reduced  antimony  is 
volatilized,  it  again  be- 
comes clear.     With  tin, 
the  glass  is  at  fii'st  ren- 
dered  grey  by   the   r"- 
duced  antimony,  but  \>y 
continued     blowing     is 
restored     to     clearness. 
Even    when    the    glass 
contains  but  little  oxide, 
tin  produces  this  reae 
tion. 

Dissolves  even  in  large 
quantity  to   a   colorless 

glass. 

Dissolves  with   ebulli- 
tion to  a  glass  of  a  pale 
yellow  color  while  warm. 

• 

A  bead  containing  suf- 
ficient  of    the   acid    to 
render  it  spontaneously 
opaque  on  cooling,  has 
a  greyish  color. 

A  bead,  that  has  only 
been  treated  for  a  short 
time    in    the    oxidizing 
flame,    Avhen    submitted 
to   the    reducing    flame 
becomes  grey  and  turbid 
from  the   reduced  anti- 
mony.    This  soon  vola- 
tilizes and  tlie  glass  again 
becomes  clear.    The  ad- 
dition of  tin  renders  the 
glass  ash-grey  or  black, 
according  to  the  amount 
of  oxide  it  contains. 

o 
5 

. 

Even   when   in   large 
proportion,  dissolves  to 
a   clear  glass,  Avhich   is 
yellow  when  Avarm,  but 
almost  entirely  loses  its 
color   on   cooling.      On 
charcoal,    the    antimo- 
nious   acid   may  be  al- 
most  expelled,   so   that 
tin  produces  no  further 
change. 

.2 

28.  Oxide  of 
Antimony, 

100 


The     Blowpipe. 


pure 
igstic 
,    the 
d-red 
ir    to 
this 
the 
on  be 
utity, 

e3  -a   d 

S 

^|2 

W3     ?     M 

q5 

^2  §  o^^  9-^  2 

S^£i 

tc 

=S  "^  .^  3  .5       5  h=  ^  d 

ill 

o 

^2       ^^      ?  .-^  S 

S 

Hod 

^  o 

III 

^cA.2 

o       a 

C3 

c-2 

-  Si 

fcc 

O 

^3   tn   o 

eS    2   S 

o 

.1  ,-,-S 

i^J 

c; 

OJ2^ 

P)  ^  .2 

«"■« 

d 

fcc 

'3 

i 
P. 

o 
o 

!=! 
O 

sent   in  small  quantity, 
the  glass  undergoes  lio 
change.     With  a  larger 
proportion,  the  glass  is 
deep  yellow  while  warm, 
and    yellowish-brown 
when  cold.     This  reac- 
tion   takes    place   upon 
charcoal,    with   a    small 
quantity  of  the  acid.   Tin 
produces  a  dark  colora- 
tion, when   the   acid    is 
not  present  in  too  great 
a  quantity. 

The   glass,  Avhich   has 
been  treated  in  the  oxi- 
dizing  flame,    becomes, 
when    the   acid    is    not 
present  in   too   large  a 
quantity,     brown,     and 

E 
to 

d 

.s 

Dissolves  readily  to  a 
clear  colorless  glass.    In 
large  proportion  it  ren- 
ders the   borax  yellow, 
Avhile  warm,  and  with  a 
still  greater  addition  the 
bead  may  be  made  opa- 
que with  an  intermittent 
flame.     If  more  be  then 
added,  this  reaction  takes 
^placc  spontaneously. 

Dissolves   readily   and 
in  large  quantity.    When 
but  little  is  dissolved,  the 
glass  is  yellow  while  hot 
and  colorless  when  cold. 

Ig 


H-o 


Table    II. 


101 


fr<    •    o   !/:   —■    • 

S    X  ^  -^  .=    o 

75  og^H  S 

•s  ^   .0      ^-^ 

« 

,-^3  S  ^  ^  s 

i 

r-    0    S  -C  ^  -- 

0 

iant    grcei 
lat  produc 
of  chromi 
tion  on  c 
isely    sinii 
lers  the  cc 
t  darker. 

-a 

:=  '^^       'i^  g  2  rt 

Msit ^sl 

1      1     M    ,>     ra    «     . 

0    0    M    s-    0    c3    -* 

«-Q^  ?:   ?^  0 

g^J'^  S  0  1 

y. 

^.r-5-ig 

,Q 

yellowis 
vhen  wai 
es    nearl 
cooUng. 
,  the  gla: 
:,  and  wh 
autiful  g; 

• 

9 

jj      "^      r-       -    ^^   ,^     0 

"   t^   «   _   c;   '-   0 

n  large  quantity, 
ly  opaque.     In  a 
flame,   oxide  of 
[enum  is  formed 
is  visible  in  tlie 
glass  in  the  form 
k  flakes.     If  the 
ppear  opaque,  it 
be  flattened  with 

a. 

0 
0 

'0 

ii 

tb 

.3 

d 

*:  ^  fccs  -  ^  §  ^  -^ 

1 

>-^ 

0  ^ 

0 

0 

^  ^ 

0 

H 

-Sot 

fcXJ 

g  ^  8.5 
fl   ^   d   o 


^2^ 

t-    S    o 

•s  2  <^ 


§1 


o 

o         +-> 

.a  ph-s 


'-'  .2  =^   3  o  2 

O     2     Si   M     ^     O 
O    rt    *^  2 

.2  ra  a  o     .3    . 
fcjD  ^  -^  S  ^  ••;3 


0    . 

'=^»* 

^0 

'ro   0 

'0    ~ 

g^ 

83 

102 


Tn 


Blowpipe 


pm        -5 


o 

.=  ^  ^  o 

s 

S!              fe     S 

55 

. 

K 

a 
.2 

ei 
O 

'3 

.s  ^'^  .1 

O 

>i; 

tn 

rt    O    ci    O 

qq    o  TS   a 

'-  ^  d  >..J. 

c3 

g   =:   ©-:;:  :::: 

s 

(+3 

-"•Jill 

>< 

ei           -        >-> 

1 
o 

rt 

.5 

«3  p  '-t: 
2i  S  S  a 

O 

>  o  « 

"2 
o 

±  -s  -s  ""^  9  » 

"^ 

o 

J^l 

en 

c 

«J|lel 

fcjf^    O    fcij^ 

^  a  d  ^-   ■   o 
■?^  "^  c  s  S  — 


rt 

^ 

fcJO 

p 

C" 

•~^ 

ct 

^ 

,a 

.-    rt   ii  Jii   c? 


O    O    Oi  "^3    o 


s 

be 


^    ri 
W  -' 


2  -5  ^  "  ^  &^ 

.  O     P     t.     r-     O  'O 

=e  §  «  ^-  ^"S  o 
c  ?  S  f  I  ^  .S 


!  -43    ?= 


O 

-< 

1 

^"i 
^    5 

1i 

>.<= 

>■ 

e3 

'     d 

9   % 

O 

^" 

U-S 

^  r-) 

11 

rr 

'fcbi^ 

is 

> 

^h 

o-r  o  3  a 

O    ^    O  "TS  TS 


O  2i 

CO 


.2  b 

C    CO 


29 

CJ     ... 

"3 


I  N  I  T  I  A  T  O  P.  Y       A  N  A  L  Y  S  I  S  .  103 


t.       EXAMINATIONS    WITH    CARBONATE    OF    SODA. 

The  carbonate  of  soda  is  pulverized  and  then  kneaded  to  a 
paste  with  water;  the  substance  to  be  examined,  in  line  powder, 
is  also  mixed  with  it.  A  small  portion  of  this  paste  is  placed 
on  the  charcoal,  and  gradually  heated  until  the  moisture  is 
expelled,  when  the  heat  is  brought  to  the  fusion  of  the  bead, 
or  as  high  as  it  can  be  raised.  Several  phenomena  will  take 
place,  which  must  be  closely  observed.  Notice  whether  the 
substance  fuses  with  the  bead,  and  if  so,  whether  there  is  intu- 
mescence or  not.  Or,  whether  the  substance  undergoes  reduc- 
tion ;  or,  whether  neither  of  these  reactions  takes  place,  and,  on 
the  contrary,  the  soda  sinks  into  the  charcoal,  leaving  the  sub- 
stance intact  upon  its  surface.  If  intumescence  takes  place,  the 
presence  of  either  tartaric  acid,  molybdic  acid,  silicic,  or  tung- 
stic  acid,  is  indicated.  The  silicic  acid  will  fuse  into  a  bead, 
which  becomes  clear  when  it  is  cold.  Titanic  acid  will  fuse 
into  the  bead,  but  may  be  easily  distinguished  from  the  silicic 
acid  by  the  bead  remaining  opaque  when  cold, 

Strontia  and  baryta  will  flow  into  the  charcoal,  but  lime  will 
not.  The  molybdic  and  tungstic  acids  combine  with  the  soda, 
forming  the  respective  salts.  These  salts  are  absorbed  by 
the  charcoal.  If  too  great  a  quantity  of  soda  is  used,  the  bead 
will  be  quite  likely  to  become  opaque  upon  cooling,  while,  if 
too  small  a  quantity  of  soda  is  used,  a  portion  of  the  substance 
will  remain  undissolved.  These  can  be  ec|ually  avoided  by 
either  the  addition  of  soda,  or  the  substance  experimented 
upon,  as  may  be  required. 

As  silica  and  titanic  acid  are  the  only  two  substances  that 
produce  a  clear  bead,  the  student,  if  he  gets  a  clear  bead,  may 
almost  conclude  that  he  is  experimenting  with  silica,  titanic 
acid  being  a  rare  substance.  When  soda  is  heated  with 
silica,  a  slight  effervescence  will  be  the  first  phenomenon  no- 
ticed. This  is  the  escape  of  the  carbonic  acid  of  the  carbonate 
of  soda,  while  the  silicic  acid  takes  its  place,  forming  a  glass 


104:  The     Blowpipe. 

with  the  soda.  As  titanic  acid  will  not  act  in  the  same  man- 
ner as  silica,  it  can  be  easily  distinguished  by  its  bead  not 
being  perfectly  }3ellucid.  If  the  bead  with  which  silica  is 
fused  should  be  tinted  of  a  hyacinth  or  yellow  color,  this  may 
be  attributed  to  the  presence  of  a  small  quantity  of  sulphur  or 
a  sulphate,  and  this  sometimes  happens  from  the  fact  of  the 
flux  containing  sulphate  of  soda.  The  following  metals, 
when  exposed  with  carbonate  of  soda  to  the  reducing  flame, 
are  wholly  or  partially  reduced,  viz.  the  oxides  of  all  the 
noble  metals,  the  oxides  and  acids  of  tungsten,  molybdenum, 
arsenic,  antimony,  mercury,  copper,  tellurium,  zinc,  lead,  bis- 
muth, tin,  cadmium,  iron,  nickel,  and  cobalt.  Mercury  and 
arsenic,  as  soon  as  they  are  reduced,  are  dissipated,  while 
tellurium,  bismuth,  lead,  antimony,  cadmium,  and  zinc,  are  only 
partially  Yolatilized,  and,  therefore,  form  sublimates  on  the 
charcoal.  Those  metals  which  are  difficult  of  reduction  should 
be  fused  with  oxalate  of  potassa,  instead  of  the  carbonate  of 
soda.  The  carbonic  oxide  formed  from  the  combustion  of  the 
acid  of  this  salt  is  Yery  efficient  in  the  reduction  of  these  metals. 
Carbonate  of  soda  is  very  efficient  for  the  detection  of  minute 
quantities  of  manganese.  The  mixture  of  the  carbonate  of 
soda  with  a  small  addition  of  nitrate  of  potassa,  and  the 
mineral  containing  manganese,  must  be  fused  on  platinum 
foil.     The  fused  mass,  when  cooled,  presents  a  fine  blue  color. 


Part  III. 

THE  DETERMINATION   OF  MINERALS 
BY  THE  AID  OF  THE  BLOWPIPE. 


TABLE  OF  KEACTIOXS. 

I.  The  substance  reduced  to  a  powder  is  placed  •upon 
charcoal  and  heated  with  the  blowpipe  flame. 

1.  It  volatilizes  or  hums. 

2.  It  yields  an  alliaceous  odor. 

a.  Minerals  having  metallic  lustre. 

b.  Minerals  without  metallic  lustre. 

3.  It  yields  the  odor  of  decayed  horse-radish, 

4.  It  gives  off  fumes  of  antimony. 

a.  Minerals  having  metallic  lustre. 

a.  Giving  witli  carbonate  of  soda  upon  charcoal  and  in 
tlie  reduction  flame  a  bead  of  metallic  lead. 

p.  Giving  with  soda  upon  charcoal  in  reduction  flame  a 
bead  of  silver. 

y.  Giving  neither  silver  nor  lead  when  treated  with  soda 
upon  charcoal  under  the  reduction  flame. 

b.  Substances  without  metallic  lustre. 


lOG  T  H  E      B  L  O  W  P  I  P  K  . 

5.  It  forms  upon  the  charcoal  a  v:hitish  coating,  which 
tinges  the  reduction  flame  green, 

(If  pulverized,  and  heated  witli  strong  sulphuric  acid,  colors 
the  flame  red.) 

a.  Minerals  of  a  tin-white  color. 

b.  Minerals  having  lead  or  steel  gray  color. 

6.  The  residue  has  an  alkaline  reaction, 

a.  Substances  soluble  in  water. 

a.  Yielding  water  when  heated  in  a  glass  tube. 
/3.  Giving  no  water  when  so  heated. 

b.  Substances  insoluble  or  nearly  so  in  water. 

a.  Effervescing  when  treated  with  hydrochloric  acid. 
/?.  Fusing  with  the  carbonate  of  soda,  and  yielding  a 

sulphurous  mass. 
7.  Giving  neither  of  these  reactions. 

7.  The  residue  is  magnetic. 

a.  Minerals  with  metallic  lustre. 

b.  Minerals  without  metallic  lustre. 

IT.  The  substance  mixed  witb  the  carbonate  of  soda  is 
placed  upon  charcoal  and  heated  in  the  reduction 
flame. 

1.  The  fused  mass  gives  the  sulphur  reaction  upon 
silver.     There  is  also  a  metallic  globule. 

a.  Anhydrous  substances. 

b.  Hydrates. 

2.  The  fused  onass  gives  the  sulphur  reaction^  hut  no 
metallic  globule. 

a.  Hydrates. 

b.  Anhydrous  substances. 

3.  The  fused  mass  does  not  afford  the  sulphur  reaction^ 
but  yields  a  metallic  head. 

a.  The  o-lobule  is  bismuth. 


The    Blowpipe.  lOT 

b.  The  globule  is  lead. 

c.  The  globule  is  silver. 

d.  The  globule  is  copper. 

e.  The  globule  is  some  other  metal. 

III.  The  borax  bead  is  violet  in  the  exterior  flame. 

1.  Minerals  loith  metallic  lustre. 

2.  Minerals  icithout  metallic  lustre. 

lY.  The  pulverized  substance,  heated  with  cobalt  solu- 
tion, exhibits  a  green  color. 

Y.  The  substance  dissolves  completely  in  hydrochloric 
acid. 

1.  It  is  fusible  before  the  bloicinjje. 

a.  Yields  water  when  treated  in  the  glass  tube. 

b.  Yields  no  water  in  the  glass  tube. 

2.  It  is  infusihle  before  the  blov^pipe. 

a.  Hydrates. 

b.  Anhydrous  substances. 

YI.  The  substance  is  partially  dissolved  in  hydrochloric 
acid,  forming  a  gelatinous  mass. 

1.  Fusible  before  the  bloiopipe. 

a.  Hydrates. 

b.  Anhydrous  substances. 

2.  Infusible  before  the  blowpipe, 

a.  Hydrates. 

b.  Anhydrous  bodies. 

YII.  The  substance  dissolves  in  hydroeliloric  acid,  leav- 
ing a  residue  of  silica,  but  not  in  a  gelatinous 
form. 

1.  Hydrates. 

2.  Anhydrous  bodies. 


108  T  H  E    B  L  o  Av  p  I  p  p:  . 

yill.  The  substance  is  insoluble  in  liydrocljloric  acid, 
and  yields  in  the  microcosmic  salt  bead  a  skeleton 
of  silica. 

1.  It  is  fusible  before  the  blowpipe. 

2.  It  is  ill  fusible. 

IX.  Minerals  belonging  to  neither  of  the  preceding 
groups. 


I. 

THE  SUBSTAl^CE,  EEDUCED  TO  POWDEE, 
IS  PLACED  UPOIS"  CHAECOAL  AND 
HEATED  WITH  THE  BLOWPIPE  ELAME. 

1.  IT  VOLATILIZES  OR  BURXS  READILY. 

Sulpliiir  —  Arsenic  —  Selenium  —  Tellurium  —  Anti- 
mony— Selensulphur — Eealgar  (arsenic  di-oxide) — Orpi- 
ment  (arsenic  tri-oxide) — Yalentinite  (antimonic  tri- 
oxide)  —  Senarmontite  (antimonic  tri-oxide)  —  Kermes 
(oxide  and  sulphide  of  antimony) — Antimonocher 
(hydrated  pentoxide  of  antimony)— Stiblite  (antimonic 
oxides) — Stibine  (antimonic  tri-sulphide) — Salammoniac 
(ammonium  chloride) — Muscagnite  (ammonium  sul- 
phate)— Cinnabar  (mercuric  sulphide) — Calomel  (mer- 
curous  chloride) — Sylvine  (potassium  chloride) — Cotun- 
nite  (lead  chloride) — Tiemannite  (mercuric  selenide) — 
Graphite. 

Yielding  an  alliaceous  odor  when  heated  on  charcoal  ; 
— Ai'setiio  ;  it  volatilizes  without  liquefying  ;  gives  in  the 
glass  tube  a  dark  gray  metallic  ring ;  in  the  platinum  pin- 
cers, colors  the  flame  pale  blue ;  metallic  lustre,  tin  white, 
dull  or  black.  Arsenite  sublimes  without  fusing  in  little 
white  crystals ;  in  the  platinum  pincers  colors  the  flame 
blue  ;  soluble  in  hot  water  ;  has  a  vitreous  lustre. 

DifFasing  an  odor  of  sulphurous  acid  when  heated : 
Sulphur,  burns  with   a  blue  flame ;    in    the   closed    tube 


110  The    Bloavpii'e. 

melts  and  volatilizes  ;  H  (hardness*)  1.5  ;  brittle. —  Cinnor 
hew  volatilizes  in  the  closed  tube,  yielding  a  black  subli- 
mate, and  if  previous!}'-  mixed  with  soda  or  potassium 
cyanide,  will  deposit  little  globules  of  mercury  ;  red  ;  11 
2.5. 

Yielding  an  alliaceous  and  sulphurous  odor  when  heated 
on  charcoal :  Realgar,  melts  in  the  closed  tube,  and  sub- 
limes, giving  a  transparent  red  deposit ;  red  ;  becomes , 
dark  brown  if  treated  with  potash. —  Orpiment  melts  and 
volatilizes  in  the  closed  tube,  yielding  a  deep  yellow  sub- 
limate ;  yellow  ;  dissolves  in  potash  solution. 

Releasing  fumes  of  antimony  when  heated  on  charcoal : 
Native  Antimony  fuses  to  a  spherical  metallic  globule,  but 
becomes  coated  in  cooling  with  small  crystals  of  antimonic 
oxide.     The  metal  is  bluish  white,  lustrous,  with  a  specific 

"  The  scale  of  hardness  is  as  follows  : 

1.  Talc,  light  green  variety,  easily  scratched  by  the  thumb  nail. 
3.  Selenite  (gypsum),  not  easily  scratched  by  the  nail ;  does  not 
scratch  copper. 

3.  Calcite,  transparent.  Scratches  and  is  scratched  by  a  coj^per 
coin. 

4.  Fluor  spar,  crystallized.  Not  scratched  by  a  copper  coin  ; 
does  not  scratch  glass. 

5.  Apatite,  transparent.  Scratches  glass  with  difficulty;  easily 
scratched  by  the  knife.  * 

6.  Orthoclase,  white,  cleavable  felspar.  Scratches  glass  easily; 
not  easily  scratched  by  the  knife. 

7.  Quartz,  transparent.     Not  scratched  by  the  knife. 

8.  Topaz. 

9.  Sapphire. 

10.  Diamond. 

With  a  knife,  piece  of  glass,  and  a  copper  coin,  the  hardness  ia 
soon  determined,  and  a  clue  to  its  name  and  value  obtained. 

In  applying  the  test  for  hardness  considerable  care  is  requisite  ; 
when  determining  the  relative  hardness  of  two  substances,  each 
should  be  applied  to  the  other.  Minerals  of  equal  hardness  scratch 
each  other. 


T  H  3::     J>  L  O  W  P  I  P  E  .  11 ! 

gravity  of  G.T.  —  Valentinite,  transparent,  pearly  lustre, 
white,  and  is  easily  sublimed  in  the  closed  tube. — &enar- 
7)iontite  is  distinguished  from  the  preceding  only  by  a  dif- 
ference in  crystalline  form. — Kermes  alFords  a  globule  of 
antimony  when  heated  alone  upon  charcoal,  and  releases 
water  when  heated  in  the  closed  tube  ;  H,  1.5. — Stiblite 
yields  a  globule  of  antimony  upon  charcoal,  but  no  water 
in  the  closed  tube  ;  H.  =  5.5. 

Yielding  antimony  fumes,  also  the  odor  of  sulphurous 
acid,  when  heated  upon  charcoal;  Kermes  gives  in  the 
closed  tube  a  sublimate,  at  first  white,  then  orange  ;  hard- 
ness 1.5,  streak,*  bright  red.  Stibine  fuses  easily  in  the 
tube,  and  gives,  if  heated  strongly,  a  brown  sublimate  ; 
metallic  lustre ;  lead  gray  color.     H.  ^  2. 

Diffusing  the  odor  of  decayed  horse-radish  when 
heated  on  charcoal :  Selenium  —  Tlemannite  ;  deposits 
mercury  on  the  sides  of  the  tube  if  heated  with  carbonate 
of  soda. 

Yielding  the  horse-radish  odor  with  sulphurous  acid 
when  heated  on  charcoal,  Selensulplmr. 

Tellurium ;  easily  fused  on  coal,  and  burns  with  a 
greenish  flame;  tin-white,  with  a  metallic  lustre. — Sal- 
ammoniciG  evaporates  without  fusing ;  is  easily  soluble  in 
water;  if  heated  with  potash  releases  ammonia. — Mascag- 
nite  fuses,  boils,  and  volatilizes,  and  deposits  water  in  the 
closed  tube  ;  treated  with  soda,  gives  a  sulphur  reaction. — 
Sylvine  fuses  and  volatilizes  on  the  charcoal,  coloring  .the 
flame  a  pale  violet  ;  soluble  in  water. —  Cotunnite  gives  on 
the  coal  a  greenish  yellow  coating  ;  treated  with  soda  a 
globule  of  lead  is  obtained ;  slightly  soluble  in  water. — 
Calomel  gives  with  carbonate  of  soda  in  the  closed  tube 
little  globules  cf  mercury;  grayish  white;  insoluble  in 
water. —  Graphite  fused  on  platinum  with  saltpetre  yields 

*  The  streak  is  obtained  by  marking  with  the  mineral  upon  a 
white  surface,  preferably  the  surface  of  unglazed  porcelain. 


112  The    Blowpipe. 

carbon  dioxide,  which  converts  the  reagent  into  potassic 
carbonate  ;  at  a  high  heat  it  burns,  leaving  only  a  slight 
residue. 

2.  YIELDING  BY  CALCINATION  AN  ALLIACEOUS  ODOR. 

a.  Minerals  with  metallic  lustre. 

jSTative  Arsenic — Dufrenoysite  (copper  and  arsenic 
sulphides) — Arsenical  Antimony — Sclervelase  (lead  and 
arsenic  sulphides)  —  Panabase  (antimony  and  arsenic 
sulphides)  —  Polybasite  (lead,  copper,  antimony,  and 
arsenic  sulphides)  —  Smaltine  (cobalt  and  arsenic)  — 
Lencopyrite  (iron  and  arsenic) — Cobaltine  (cobalt,  ar- 
senic and  sulphur)  —  Mccolite  (nickel  and  arsenic) — 
Pammelsbergite  (nickel,  arsenic  with  sm^all  amount  of 
bismuth  and  copper)  —  Disomose  (nickel,  arsenic,  and 
sulphur)  —  Mispickel  (iron,  arsenic  and  sulphur) — Geo- 
cronite  (lead,  antimony  and  arsenic  sulphides). 

Arsenic  and  Antimony  as  native  metals  belong  with 
this  group  only  when  the  assay  consists  of  too  large  frag- 
ments, or  when  on  account  of  impurities  in  the  former  the 
volatihzation  is  not  complete. 

a-  Yielding  hydrogen  sulphide  when  treated  with  hy- 
drochloric acid:  Dufrenoysite j  the  borax  bead  indicates 
copper ;  fuses  easily  on  charcoal  giving  arsenic  and  sul- 
phurous odors,  leaving  finally  ahead  of  copper. — Panahase 
yields  on  coal  the  fumes  of  antimony ;  sometimes  the  cop- 
per reaction  is  obtained  in  the  borax  bead ;  many  speci- 
mens yield  also  a  zinc  coating  on  charcoal. 

Borax  bead  blue :  Cobaltine  reduces  before  the  blow- 
pipe and  leaves  a  magnetic  bead. 

Borax  bead  is  of  a  brownish  tint  in  the  oxidation  flame  • 
Disomose   decrepitates  on  charcoal. 


The    Blowpipe.  113 

Borax  bead  is  green  in  the  reduction  and  reddish  brown 
in  the  oxidation  flame :  Mhpiekel  reduces  on  charcoal 
and  yields  a  magnetic  globule. 

With  carbonate  of  soda  yielding  a  bead  of  lead  : 
Sclerodase,  very  brittle:  H.  2.5. —  Geocronite  gives  de- 
cided antimony  reactions,  and  more  feebly  the  cojDper  re- 
actions. 

With  carbonate  of  soda  upon  charcoal  yielding  a  silver 
bead  :  Polyhasite  gives  the  antimony  coating,  aid  reduces 
to  a  dark  gray  grain  having  a  metallic  lustre. 

/?.  Yielding  no  hydrogen  sulphide  by  treatment  with 
hydrochloric  acid  :  Smaltine  yields  a  blue  borax  bead, 
and  reduces  easily  on  the  charcoal  to  a  dark  gray  brittle 
globule,  which  may  be  taken  up  by  the  magnet. — Leucopy- 
rite  gives  upon  the  charcoal  a  magnetic  mass ;  gives  also 
a  dark  gray  streak. — JSficcoUte  gives  a  red  brown  color  to 
the  borax  bead  in  the  oxidation  flame ;  reduces  on  coal  to  a 
magnetic  globule ;  has  a  copper-red  color,  a  metallic  lustre, 
and  gives  a  dark  brown  streak. — Rammelshergite  gives 
reactions  similar  to  Niccolite ;  reduces  readily ;  remains 
incandescent  some  time  after  being  removed  from  the  flame ; 
has  a  tin-white  color,  and  gives  a  gray  streak. 

h.  Minerals  loitJiout  metalliG  lustre. 

Kottigite  (nickel,  cobalt,  zinc  -and  arsenic) — Scoro- 
dite  (iron  and  copper,  arsenates) — Sjmplesite  (hydrated 
arsenate  of  iron) — Pitticite  (iron  arsenate  and  sulphate) 
— Pharmacosiderite  (hydrated  arsenates  of  iron) — Phar- 
macolite  (copper  arsenate) — Chondrarsenite  (manganese, 
arsenate)  —  Erythrine  (cobalt  arsenate)  —  JSTickelochre 
(nickel  arsenate) — Pyrargyrite  (silver  antimony  and  arsenic 
sulphides)  —  Erinite  (copper  arsenate)  —  Chalkophyllite 
(copper  arsenates) — Liroconite  (copper  and  aluminum  ar- 
senates)— Euchroite    (copper  arsenates) — Olivenite  (cop- 


114  T  H  E     B  L  o  w  r  I  P  E  . 

per  arsenate  and  tliospliatej — Tyrulite  (copper,  arsenate 
and  calcium  carbonate). 

Giving  ill  borax  bead  the  copper  reaction,  and  coloring 
the  flarne  blue  if  previously  wet  with  hydrochloric 
acid;  —  JErinite  gives  on  the  charcoal  a  copper  bead; 
yields  water  in  the  closed  tube  ;  H.=5.5;  transparent  near 
the  edges. —  Clialkopliylllte  decrepitates  violently  and  re- 
duces to  a  brittle  globule;  emerald  green  color;  clear 
green  streak;  H.=2.  —  TyroUte  breaks  into  small  frag- 
ments before  the  blowpipe,  then  blackens  and  fuses  to  a 
steel  gray  bead;  H.=l.o  ;  color  green,  streak  green  and 
effervesces  with  acids. — Euchroite  reduces  before  the  blow- 
pipe, first  to  copper  arsenite,  then  to  metallic  copper  ;  H.= 
4.5  ;  has  a  vitreous  lustre. — Liroconite  fuses  on  the  char- 
coal and  reduces  to  a  scoriaceous  mass  ;  becomes  cobalt  blue 
wlien  ligbtly  heated. —  OUvenite  fuses  in  the  platinum  pin- 
cers and  recrystallizes  upon  cooling ;  gives  a  little  water 
in  the  closed  tube ;  and  reduces  upon  the  charcoal  to  a 
brown  scoria  ;  streak  varies  from  brown  to  olive  green. 

Kottigite  gives  upon  the  coal  a  coating  of  oxide  of 
zinc ;  and  affords  a  green  color  if  treated  with  cobalt  so- 
lution and  heated  strongly.  • 

Erythrine  gives  a  blue  borax  bead  ;  the  mineral  has  a 
pinkish  tint. 

J^ichelochre  gives  a  brownish  bead  with  borax  in  the 
outer  flame;  color  greenish  yellow. 

Fyrargyrite  gives  readily  a  globule  of  silver  upon  the 
charcoal  if  mixed  with  soda. 

Ghondrarsenite  gives  a  violet  color  to  the  borax  bead 
if  brought  into  the  outer  flame. 

Becoming  magnetic  when  reduced  upon  charcoal :  8cor- 
odite  reduces  easily  to  a  scoriaceous  mass;  H.  =  3. 5  or  4; 
streak  greenish  white.  —  Symplesite ;  infusible;  H.=5; 
Btreak  varies  from  white  to  blue. — Fitticite  reduced  some- 


The    Blowpipe.  115 

what  on  charcoal;  if  plunged  into  water  becomes  trans- 
parent; H.^2.5;  streak  yellow. — Pharmacosiderite  fuses 
on  coal;  in  the  closed  tube  gives  off"  water  and  turns  red; 
streak  yellow. 

Pharmacolite  reduces  on  charcoal  to  a  transparent 
bead ;  the  bead  sometimes  tinged  with  blue  by  reason  of 
the  presence  of  a  little  cobalt;  colors  the  flame  slightly 
red. 

3.  YIELDIXG  THE    ODOR  OF   DECAYED   HORSE-RADISH 

WHEN  HEATED  OX  CHARCOAL. 

Clausthalite  (lead  selenide)  Berzellianite  (copper  sel- 
enide)  —  Tieinannite  (niercurj  selenide)  —  l^aumannite 
(silver  selenide) — Zorgite  (copper  and  lead  selenide). 

Clausthalite  gives  with  soda  upon  charcoal  a  bead  of 
lead ;  without  soda,  scales  off,  gives  off  fumes  and  yields 
a  coating  on  the  coal  of  red,  yellow  and  white. — Berzel- 
lianite gives  in  the  exterior  flame  a  greenish  blue  borax 
bead;  in  the  inner  flame  a  reddish  brown  bead ;  upon  the 
charcoal  a  malleable  gray  globule  is  obtained. —  Tieman- 
nite  yields  mercury  in  the  closed  tube,  if  heated  with 
soda.  H.==2.5;  brittle. — N'aumannite,  ^vith.  soda  on  char- 
coal gives  a  bead  of  silver;  in  the  outer  flame  on  charcoal 
it  fuses  quietly;  in  the  inner  flame  it  boils  and  becomes 
solid  and  incandescent. — Zorgite  fuses  very  easily  and 
reduces  to  a  gray  mass  Avith  a  metallic  lustre;  in  the  bo- 
rax bead  exhibits  the  copper  reaction;  gives  upon  charcoal 
with  soda  a  bead  of  lead. 

4.  WHEX  HEATED  UPOX  CFiARCOAL  GIVES  OFF  FUMES 

OF  AXTIMOXY. 


a.    Minerals  having  metallw  lustre. 

I  a  globule  of  lead  when  heated  in  the   redi 
al  with  carbonate  of  soda. 

Zinkenite — Jamesonite — Plagionite — Geocronite  (all 


a.  Giving  a  globule  of  lead  when  heated  in  the   reduction  flame 
upon  charcoal  with  carbonate  of  soda. 


116  The    Blowpipe. 

lead  and  antimony  sulphides) — Bournonite  (copper,  lead 
and  antimony  sulphides)  —  Tetrahedrite  (copper,  lead, 
silver  and  antimony  sulphides) — Freieslebenite  (silver, 
lead  and  antimony  sulphides) — Kobellite  (lead,  iron,  bis- 
muth and  antiinony  sulphides). 

The  copper  reaction  is  obtained  with : — JBoiirnonite : 
gives  in  the  closed  tube  a  sublimate  of  sulphur ;  reduces 
easily  upon  the  coal  to  scori£B ;  brittle;  H.=2.5  ;  streak 
dark  gray. — Tetrahedriie  decrepitates  before  the  blowpipe; 
fuses  on   ciiarcoal  and  becomes  gray  scoriae;     H.=3 — 4. 

Zmkenite  decrepitates  and  reduces  easily  ;     H.=3.5. 

J^lagionite  ;  hrhile  ;  H.=2.5  ;  decrepitates  before  the 
blowpipe. 

Jamesonite  and  Geocronite  are  easily  distinguished 
from  the  above  by  blowpipe  alone. 

KohelUte  colors  the  borax  bead  brown  in  the  outer 
flame  ;  gives  a  bead  of  lead  which  is  brittle  in  consequence 
of  the  presence  of  bismuth. 

Fieieslehenite  yields  a  globule  of  lead  which  contains 
silver. 

/3.  Gives  a  globule  of  silver  when  heated  in  the  reduction  flame 
on  charcoal  with  soda. 

Dyscrasite  (silver  and  antimony) — Miargyrite,  Psatu- 
rose,  Pyrargyrite  (silver  and  antimony  sulphides) — 
Polybasite  (silver,  copper  and  antimony  sulphides). 

Yielding  sulphurous  fum.es  when  heated  on  charcoal: 
Polybasite  borax  bead  indicates  copper ;  decrepitates,  and 
reduces  readily  H.==2.5;  Sp.  Gr.  6.5.  —  Tetrahedrite,  the 
borax  bead  indicates  copper ;  decrepitates  and  fuses  easi- 
ly; contains  a  little  silver. — Miargyrite;  steel .  gray  to 
black  in  color  ;  soft  to  the  touch  ;  streak  red. — Psatiirose  y 
H.=2.o;  black. 


The    Blowpipe.  '         117 

Dlscrasite  reduces  easily  on  charcoal,  but  unlike  the 
preceding  yields  no  sulphurous  acid  vapors. 

7.  Giving  on  charcoal  with  soda  neither  lead  nor  silver. 

Native  Antimony — Ullmanite  (nickel,  antimony  and 
sulphur)  —  Stibine  (antimony  sulphide)  —  Breithanptite 
(nickel  and  antimony) — Chalcostibite  (copper  and  anti- 
mony sulphides). 

Volatilizing  completely  after  long  heating:  Native 
Antimony — Stihine. 

Giving  the  sulphur  reaction:  Ullmanite ;  borax  bead 
in  the  outer  flame  is  reddish  brown  ;  H.=5;  brittle  streak 
gray.  Chalcostibite  gives  the  copper  reaction,  decrepitates 
before  the  blowpipe  and  reduces  easily ;  H.=3.5 ;  color 
varying  from  lead  color  to  very  dark  gray ;  streak  black. 

Giving  no  sulphur  reaction:  Breitliaiiptite ;  borax 
bead  gives  nickel  reaction ;  reduces  with  difficulty  ;  H.== 
5  ;  streak  brownish  red. 

h.  Minerals  loithoiit  metallic  Instre. 

Stiblite  (antimony  oxides) — Antimony  Ochre  (anti- 
monic  oxide) — Jamesonite — Boulangerite  (lead  and  anti- 
mony sulphides) — Kermes  (antimony  sulphide) — Pyrar- 
gyrite  (silver  and  antimony  sulphide) — Kameite  (calcium 
and  antimony  oxides). 

Giving  the  sulphur  reaction:  Kermes  fuses  easily  and 
colors  the  flame  green  :  H.=1.5  ;  adamantine  lustre:  color 
varying  from  brownish  red  to  cherry  red;  streak  red  or 
brown. — Jamesonite  gives  with  soda  a  globule  of  lead  ; 
fuses  easily ;  H.=2  ;  gray;  streak  dark  gray  and  of  a  metallic 
lustre. — Boulangerite  yields  upon  charcoal  with  soda  a 
globule  of  lead.     H.=3. — Pyrargyrite  when  reduced  upon 


118  The    Blowpipe. 

charcoal  with  soda  a  bead  of  silver;  alone  on  the  coal  it 
scales   off  and  reduces  to  a  black  globule     streak  red. 

StiblUe  yields  a  white  coating  upon  the  coal  without 
reducing;  reduced  with  soda,  it  yields  a  bead  of  antimony; 
yellow;  H.=5.5. 

Antimony  Ochre  fuses  easily  before  the  blowpipe  and 
with  considerable  intumescence  ;  gives  water  in  the  closed 
tube ;     H.=l. 

Honieite  alone  upon  the  charcoal  yields  black  scoriae ; 
with  soda  a  globule  of  antimony  is  obtained  ;  H.=6  or  7  ; 
color  Yellowish. 


5.  YIELDING  OX  CHARCOAL  A  WHITE  COATING  WHICH 
TINGES  THE  REDUCTION  FLAME  GREEN. 

[The  powdered  substance  treated  with   strong-  sulphuric  acid  and 
heated,  colors  the  flame  red.] 

a.  Minerals  of  a  tin-white  color. 

Native  Tellurium. — Argental  Tellnrium  Altaite  (lead 
and  tellurium). 

N'ative  Telluriuni  volatilizes  completely,  giving  an  odor 
similar  to  selenium.    H.=2. 

Argental  Tellurium  gives  if  reduced  with  soda  a  silver 
bead  ;  H=2.5  ;  malleable. 

Altaite  yields  with  soda  a  bead  of  lead  ;  alone  it  reduces 
easily  upon  the  coal,  giving  a  yellowish  coating. 

1).  Minerals  of  a  steel  or  lead  gray  color. 

Tetradvmite  (bismuth,  tellurium  and  sulphur) — Sjl- 
vanite  (gold,  silver  and  tellurium) — Nagyagite  (lead  and 
tellurium,  and  sometimes  also  gold  and  sulphur). 

Giving  the  sulphur  reaction:      Tetradymlte  gives  with 


T  H  E     B  L  O  W  P  I  P  E  .  119 

soda  in  the  reduction  flame  a  globule  of  bismuth  ;  yields 
also  an  odor  resembling  selenium; — Hagyagite  gives  when 
reduced  with  soda  a  globule  of  lead  ;  streak  gray. 

Sylvanlte  gives  no  sulphur  reaction;  reduces  on  the 
charcoal  to  a  gray  metallic  grain ;  after  long  heating  a 
malleable  globule  is  obtained. 

G.  HAVING  AX  ALKALINE    REACTION   AFTER  CALCINA- 
TION. 

a.  Easily  sohible  in  loater. 

a.  Yielding  water  when  heated  in  tlie  closed  tube. 

Mirabilite  (sodium  sulpliate) — Thermonatrite — Mat- 
ron— Trona  (all  sodium  carbonates) — Epsomite  (magnesi- 
um sulphate) — Kalinite  (potash  alum) — ^lendigite  (soda 
alum) — Tschermigite  (ammonia  alum) — Borax  (sodium 
borate) — Loweite  (magnesium  and  sodium  sulphate) — 
Carnallite  (magnesium  and  potassium  chlorides) — Bous- 
singanltite  (ammonium,  magnesium  and  iron  sulphate) — 
Picromerite  (magnesium  and  potassium  sulphates). 

Giving  efiervescence  with  hydrochloric  acid :  Ti'ona^ 
H.=2.5  ;  fuses  in  the  closed  tube  yielding  much  water. 
— iVci^rd^i  H.=1.5;  fuses  in  the  tube  yielding  much  water; 
effloresces  in  the  air.  Thermonatrite  does  not  fuse,  and 
releases  but  little  water. 

Giving  with  soda  the  sulphur  reaction  :  Alums  giving 
after  strong  heating  the  blue  reaction  with  cobalt  solution. 
— Potash  Alum  ;  intumesces  and  tinges  the  flame  a  feeble 
violet. — Soda  Alum  fuses,  intumesces  and  colors  the  flame 
yellow,  especially  if  previously  wet  with  hydrochloric 
acid.  —  Ammonia  Alum,  if  heated  with  caustic  potash, 
yields  the  odor  of  ammonia  gas. — Epsomi(e  gives  after 
calcination  a  flesh    or  rather  skin    color  with    the   cobalt 


120  The    Blowpipe. 

solution;  fuses  easily  and  with  intumescence  ;  H.=2  or  2.5. 
— Mlrdbilite  gives  no  reaction  with  cobalt  solution  ;  fuses 
easily  and  is  absorbed  by  the  charcoal ;  colors  the  flame 
yellow;  H.=1.5. — Loioeite  decrepitates  in  jiarting  with 
water  and  then  fuses  quietly  ;  11=2.5  or  3.  JBoussingaul- 
tlte  contains  but  little  water ;  gives  with  potash  the  am- 
monia odor.  JPlcromerite  gives  the  flesh  tint  with  cobalt 
solution ;  colors  the  flame  violet,  and  precipitates  silver 
nitrate  by  reason  of  containing  some  potassium  chloride. 

Borax  intumesces  strongly  and  then  fuses,  afibrding 
an  occasional  green  tint  to  the  flame.  Carnallite,  very 
hygrometric  ;  colors  the  flame  slightly  violet  ;  gives  also 
a  slight  whitish  coating  on  the  charcoal ;  H=2  or  2.5. 

a.  Giving  no  water  in  tlie  closed  tube. 

ISTitre  (potassium  nitrate) — Soda  I^itre — Nitrocalcite 
(calcium  nitrate) — Arcanite  (potassium  sulphate) — Thes- 
iardite  (sodium  sulphate) — Common  Salt. 

Deflagrating  on  charcoal :  Nltre^  coloring  the  flame 
violet:  &oda  Kitre^  coloring  the  flame  yellow  :  Nitrocal- 
cite^  coloring  the  flame  red  and  dejlagrating  feebly. 

Giving^  with  soda  the  reaction  of  sulphur :  Arcanite 
decrepitates  and  fuses  ;  gives  feeble  potash  reaction  in  the 
flame.  Thenardite  reduces  only  at  a  high  temperature, 
coloring  the  flame  yellow. 

Common  Salt  yields  easily  to  the  blowpipe  flame,  color- 
ing it  yellow. 

h.    Insoliible  in  water. 

a.  EflPervesces  when  treated  witli  lijdrocliloric  acid. 

Witlierite  (barium  carbonate)  —  Calcspar  (calcium 
carbonate)— A ragonite  (calcium  carbonate) — Strontianite 


The    Blowpipe.  121 

(strontium  carbonate) — Gaylussite  (sodium  and  calcium 
carbonate) — Dolomite  (calcium  and  magnesium  carbonate) 
— Magnesite  (magnesium  carbonate) — Barvtocalcite  (bar- 
ium and  calcium  carbonate) — Bromlite  (barium  and  cal- 
cium carbonate) — Xemalite  or  Brucite  (magnesium  oxide 
hjdrated)  —  Hydromagnesite  (magnesium  carbonate) 
— Smitlisonite  (zinc  carbonate). 

Giving  water  iu  the  closed  tube :  Gaylussite  colors 
tlie  flame  yellow;  brittle;  decrepitates,  and  fuses  to  an 
opaque  globule.  ILjdromagnesite  gives  with  cobalt  nitrate 
the  flesh  tint  indicative  of  magnesium ;  does  not  fuse  nor 
color  the  flame.  11=3  2\'emallte ;  infusible;  does  not 
color  the  flame  ;  gives  the  flesh  tint  with  cobalt  solution ; 
silky  lustre.     H=2. 

Coloring  the  flame  green  if  previously  wet  with  hydro- 
chloric acid  j  Witherite  fuses  easily  f o  a  white  bead  having 
an  enameled  surface.  Barytocalcite  colors  the  flame  yel- 
lowish green,  and  becomes  opaque  white  with  a  greenish 
glazed  covering.  Bromlite  presents  the  reactions  of 
Barytocalcite ;  some  specimens,  however,  afibrd  the  crim- 
son color  of  strontium  in  the  blowpipe  flame. 

Coloring  the  flame  red  when  moistened  with  hydro- 
chloric acid  ;  Strontianite. 

Coloring  the  flame  orange-red  when  wet  with  hydro- 
chloric acid ;  Calcspar  y  infusible,  and  becomes  highly 
luminous  before  the  blowpipe;  H=3. — Aragonite  is  infusi- 
ble; in  the  closed  tube  falls  to  powder;  H=3.5  or  4. — Dolo- 
mite eflervesces  but  slightly  with  acid ;  heated  in  a  powder- 
ed state  on  platinum  foil,  the  particles  remain  separate, 
whereas  calcite  would  unite  in  a  mass  ;  11=3.5. — Smitli- 
sonite gives  upon  charcoal  a  white  coating  of  zinc  oxide. 

Giving  no  color  to  the  flame:  Magnesite ;  infusible, 
but  yields  the  flesh  tint  when  treate  1  with  the  cobalt 
solution. 


122  The    Blowpipe. 

/3,  Giving  the  sulphur  reaction  -with  the  carbonate  of  soda. 

Anhydrite  (calcium  snlpliate) — Selenite  (calcium  sul- 
phate with  water) — Barytite  (barium  sulphate) — Celes- 
tine  (strontium  sulphate) — Polyhalite  (potassium,  calcium 
and  magnesium  sulphates)  —  Glauberite  (calcium  and 
sodium  sulj)hates) — Alunite  (potassium  and  aluminum 
sulphates) — Kieserite  (magnesium  sulphate) — Aluminite 
and  Alunogen  (aluminum  sulphates). 

Yielding  water  in  the  closed  tube  :  Selenite  becomes 
opaque  in  the  flame  ;  decrepitates,  scales  off  and  then  fuses 
to  an  enameled  bead  ;  H=2  ;  gives  considerable  water  in 
the  closed  tube.  JPoIyhalite  gives  but  little  Avater  in  the 
tube  j  fuses  easily  on  the  charcoal  to  a  brownish  bead  ; 
and  dissolves  in  water  leaving  but  little  residue;  .H=  35. 
Aluminite  ;  infusible,  but  reduces  to  a  j)owder.  Aluno- 
gen  intumesces  at  first  and  then  subsides  into  an  infusible 
mass.     H=2.     Kieserite  dissolves  easily  in  water. 

Calcined  on  charcoal  and  wet  with  hydrochloric  acid 
gives  a  purple  color  to  the  flame ;  Celestine  decrepitates 
and  fuses  to  an  enameled  bead. 

Calcined  and  wet  with  hydrochloric  acid  gives  a  reddish 
yellow  color  to  the  flame  ;  Karstenite  decrepitates  slightly 
and  fuses  to  an  enameled  Vvdiite  bead. 

Calcined  and  wet  with  hydrochloric  acid,  colors  the 
flame  yellow ;  Glauberite,  partially  soluble  in  water  ;  has 
a  slightly  salt  taste  ;  decrepitates  before  the  blowpipe. 

y.  Producing  neither  of  the  above  reactions. 

Borocalcite  (calcium  borate) — Pharmacolite  (calcium 
arsenate)  —  Haidingerite  (calcium  arsenate)  —  Brucite 
(magnesium  hydrate) — Boracite  (magnesium  borate) — 
Fluorspar  (calcium  fluoride)  —  Cryolite  (aluminum  and 
sodium  fluorides) — Chiolite  (aluminum  and  sodium  fluo 


The    Blowpipe.  123 

rides) — Katrolite  (sodium  liydrate  and  al  u  ni  I  n  inn  si  I  icate) 
— Talc  (magnesium  silicate) — Spinel  (magnesium  and 
aluminum  oxides). 

Flame  presenting  the  pale  green  of  boric  acid :  Boro- 

calcite  after  the  volatilization  of  the  boric  acid  gives  the 

red  color  due  to  calcium  ;  gives  water  in  the  closed  tube. 

Boracitc   fuses   with   intumescence  to    a  b*ead  which  in 

cooling  becomes  encrusted  with  crystals. 

Giving  garlic  odor  when  heated  on  charcoal :  Phar- 
macolite  fuses  to  an  enameled  white  bead.  Saidbtgerite 
behaves  much  like  the  preceding;  it  contains  less  water 
and  yields  less  under  the  blowpipe. 

Brucite  is  infusible  ;  becomes  opaque  white  when  heat- 
ed ;  H=1.5  ;  pearly  lustre,  gives  a  flesh-colored  reaction 
with  cobalt. — Spinel  gives  a  blue  reaction  with  cobalt 
solution. 

When  treated  with  sulphuric  acid,  yielding  fluorhydric 
acid:  Cryolite  decrepitates,  and  then  fuses  to  a  transpa- 
rent bead  which  becomes  opaque  upon  cooling  ;  colors  the 
flame  yellow;  H=2.5.  Chiolite  presents  the  same  reac- 
tions as  cryolite;  H=4.  Fluorspar  decrepitates  and 
fuses  to  a  transparent  bead;  colors  the  flame  red.     H=4. 

JSfatroUte  gives  in  the  microcosmic  salt  bead  a  skeleton 
of  silica;  small  fragments  become  opaque  when  first  heated, 
but  recover  transj)arency  at  a  higher  temperature.  H=5.5. 

Talc  gives  a  skeleton  of  silica  in  the  microcosmic  salt 
bead;  and  also  gives  the  magnesia  reaction  with  cobalt 
solution  ;  scales  off"  under  the  blowpipe  ;     H:^l. 

7.  THE  RESIDUE  AFTER  CALCINA.TIOX  IS  MAGXETIC. 

a.  Minerals  having  metalliG  lustre. 

Hematite  (iron  peroxide) — Magnetic  Iron  Ore — Crai- 
tonite  (iron  and  titanium) — Limonite  (ferric  hydrate)^ — 


124  T  HE    Blo  wriPE. 

Chromite  (iron  and  chromium  oxides) — Wolframite  (iron, 
manganese  and  tungsten  oxides) — Franldinite  (iron,  man- 
ganese and  zinc  oxides). 

Limonite  yields  water  in  the  closed  tube;  dark  brown 
color;  streak  brownish  yellow ;  H=5.5. 

Hematite  ;  infusible;  11=6;  yields  no  water ;  streak  red. 

Magnetite  ;  anhydrous  ;  fuses  with  difficulty ;  magnetic 
before  calcination  ;  streak  black ;  H=6. 

Chromite  colors  the  borax  bead  green ;  H=6  ;  streak 
brown. 

Craitonite  gives  a  violet  bead  with  microcosmic  salt 
in  the  reduction  flame  ;  streak  black. 

'Wolframite  gives  a  blood  red  bead  with  the  micro- 
cosmic  salt  in  reduction  flame;  gives  a  green  mass  it 
treated  with  sodium  carbonate  and  nitre  on  platinum  foil; 
streak,  red  brown  to  black. 

Franklinite  gives  upon  charcoal  a  whitish  coating  of 
zinc  oxide;  gives  manganese  reaction  in  the  borax  bead; 
streak,  brownish  red. 

l.  Minerals  witJiout  metallic  lustre. 

Siderite  (iron,  carbonate) — Limonite — Ked  Hematite 
— Gothite  (ferric  hydrate) — Botryogen  (ferrous  and  ferric 
sulphates)  —  Yoltaite  (iron  and  potassium  sulphates) — 
Copiapite  (ferric  sulphate) — Chloropal  (iron  silicate) — • 
Coquimbite  (iron  sulphate). 

Giving  water  in  the  closed  tube:  Limonite  ;  H=5.5  ; 
vitreous  or  adamantine  lustre ;  streak,  brownish  yellow. 
—  Gothite  yields  less  water  ;  H=4.o  ;  brittle;  thin  lami- 
noB  are  translucent ;  streak,  brownish  yellow. — Botryogen 
intumesces  before  the  blowpipe ;  gives  the  sulphur  reac- 
tion; vitreous  lustre  ;  streak,  ochre  yellow. —  Yoltaite  forms 


The    Blowpipe.  125 

an  earthy  mass  before  the  blowpipe ;  gives  the  sulphur 
reaction  j  partially  soluble  in  water ;  streak,  greenish  gray  ; 
opaque  and  black. —  Coquimhite  is  white,  blue  or  green  ; 
gives  the  sulphur  reaction;  streak,  wliite. —  Copiapite  gives 
sulphur  reaction;  transparent;  yellow  and  with  pearly 
lustre. —  Chloropal  gives  no  sulphur  reaction;  yields  a 
silica  skeleton  in  salt  of  phosphorus  bead;  color,  pale  dull 
yellow;  unctuous  to  the  touch;  becomes  reddish  before  the 
blowpipe. 

Siderite  gives  no  water. 


II.  THE  SUBSTAXCE  MIXED  WITH  SODIUM 
CAKBOXATE  IS  PLACED  UPO^  CHAE- 
COAL  AXD  HEATED  I^"  THE  KEDUCTIO]^ 
FLAME. 

1.  THE  FUSED  MASS  GIVES  THE  SULPHUR  RE  ACTION  OX 
A  SILVER  PLATE,  AND  CONTAINS  ALSO  A  METALLIC 
GLOBULE. 

a.  Anhydrous  todies. 

Eismutbinite  (bismuth  sulphide) — Tetradjmite  (bis- 
muth sulphide  and  bismuth  tellurite) — Galena  (lead  sul- 
phide)— Anglesite  (lead  sulphate) — Bismutite  (bismuth 
carbonate,  bismuth  sulphate) — Leadhillite  (lead  sulphate, 
lead  carbonate) — Lanarkite  (lead,  sulphate  and  carbonate) 
Aikinite  (lead,  bismuth  and  copper  sulphides) — Millerite 
(nickel  sulphide) — Lin^eite  (cobalt  sulphide)— Argyrose 
(silver  sulphide) — Cuproplumbite  (copper  and  lead  sul- 
phide)— Stromeyerite  (copper  and  silver  sulphide) — Stan- 
nite  (iron,  tin  and  copper  sulphides) — Chalcocite  (copper 
sulphide) — Covellite  (copper  sulphide) — Bornite  (iron  and 
copper   sulphides) — Chalcopyrite   (iron  and  copper   sul- 


12G  The    Blowpipe. 

pliide) — Pentlandite  (iron  and  nickel  sulphides) — Costil- 
lite  (copper  and  zinc  sulphides). 

The  metallic  globule  is  bismuth  :  Jjismutlte  effervesces 
with  hydrochloric  acid;  exhibits  a  vitreous  or  dull  sur- 
face; color  greenish  or  yellowish;  streak,  white:  H=3.5. 
• — Tetradymite  gives  the  odor  which  distinguishes  tellurium ; 
metallic  lustre;  silver  white  color;  streak,  black  ;  H=1.5. 
— Bismuthmite  fuses  easily  and  forms  projections  on  the 
bead  through  spirting;  metallic  lustre;  steel  gray  to  pale 
yellow;  streak,  dull ;  H=2.5. — Aikinite  gives  the  copper 
reaction ;  metallic  lustre ;  steel  gray  color  ;  streak,  dark 
gray. 

The  metallic  globule  is  lead  :  Galena  /  decrepitates  in 
the  closed  tube,  giving  a  sublimate  of  sul|)hur ;  metallic 
lustre,  lead  gray  color;  streak,  dark  gray;  H=2. — Angle- 
site  decrepitates  before  the  blowpipe ;  lustre  somewhat  ada- 
mantine, often  greasy  looking;  color,  white,  gray  or  brown- ' 
ish;  streak,  gray;  H=3. — Leadhillite  intumesces  before 
the  blowpipe  and  becomes  yellow,  but  turns  white  upon 
cooling  ;  yields  easily  a  lead  bead  ;  transparent ;  yellowish; 
streak,  white  ;  H=2.5;  effervesces  with  hydrochloric  acid. 
— Lanarkite  fuses  to  a  white  globule  ;  gives  readily  an  ef- 
fervescence with  hydrochloric  acid  ;  transparent ;  greenish 
white  color;  streak,  white;  H=2. —  Cuproplurnoite  gives 
the  copper  reaction  in  the  bead  ;  the  metallic  globule  is 
not  as  malleable  as  the  ordinary  lead  globules  ;  fuses  with 
effervescence  ;  color,  lead  gray  ;  streak,  black. 

The  metallic  globule  is  nickel;  Millerite  yields  a  mass 
which  may  be  taken  up  by  the  magnet;  metallic  lustre; 
color,  yellow. — Pentlandite  gives  the  iron  reactions  ;  has  a 
metallic  lustre  and  the  color  of  bronze ;  H=4. 

The  metallic  globule  is  copper :  Chalcocite  fuses  upon 
the  charcoal  to  a  globule  with  numerous  projections  ;  in 
the  reducino-  flame  it  becomes  covered  with  an  infusible 


The    B  l  o  w  pipe.  127 

coating;  metallic  lustre;  streak,  black;  11=2.5  or  3. —  Co- 
vellite  behaves  like  clialcocite ;  greasy  lustre  ;  H=1.5. — 
Bornite  fuses  to  a  magnetic  steel  gray  globule ;  copper 
colored  or  iridescent;  gives  reactions  of  iron;  streak,  black. 
—  Chalcopyrite  decrepitates  and  then  fuses  to  a  magnetic 
mass;  metallic  lustre;  yellowish  wliite  color;  streak,  green- 
ish black  ;  gives  the  iron  reactions. — •CastllUte  boils  and  fu- 
ses; gives  upon  the  coal  a  coating  of  zinc  oxide  ;  color,  lead 
gray  ;  streak,  reddish  brown. — Stromeyerite  fuses  easily  to 
a  gray  globule  with  a  metallic  lustre ;  silver  may  be  found 
by  the  wet  process ;  metallic  lustre  ;  lead  gray  color  and 
dull  streak. — Stannite  fuses  to  a  brittle,  gray  globule ;  gives 
the  iron  reaction ;  with  soda  upon  coal,  yields  small 
beads  of  tin;  metallic  lustre;  color  varying  from,  steel  gray 
to  pale  yellovf ;  streak,  black. — Tlie  sulphur  combinations 
C)f  copper  give  j^roraptly  upon  calcination  with  soda  a 
clean  bead  of  copper. 

The  metallic  globule  is  silver :  Argentlte  fuses  with 
boiling  ;  streak,  brilliant ;  H=2.o. 

Linnceite  fuses  on  charcoal ;  colors  the  borax  bead  blue; 
has  a  tin-white  color  ;  11=5.5. 

h.  innerals  containing  ivater. 

Linarite  (lead  sulphate  and  copper  hydrate) — Langite 
— Bieberite — Clialcanthite  (all  copper  sulphates) — Bro- 
chantite  (copper  sulphate  and  copper  hydrate). 

Giving  the  copper  reaction  :  Linarite  gives  a  yellow 
coating  upon  charcoal,  fusing  easily  ;  adamantine  lustre; 
ultramarine  blue  color;  stueak,  bi"ight  blue. —  Chalcan- 
thite  whitens  before  the  flame,  intumesces,  reduces  and  then 
blackens ;  vitreous  lustre  ;  skv  blue  color ;  streak,  bbiish 
white. — JJrochantite  fuses  readily;  has  a  vitreous  lustre; 
transparent  green  color  and  gives  a  green  streak.— Xa;?^^/?/^ 


128  The    Blowpipe. 

differs  from  brocliantite  in  its  greater  amount  of  water. — 
JBieherite  colors  the  borax  bead  blue  ;  silky  or  vitreous  lus- 
tre ;  rose  colored  ;  streak,  reddish  white. 

2.  THE    FUSED    MASS    GIVES    THE    SULPHUR    EEACTION, 
BUT  NO  METALLIC  GLOBULE. 

a.  Mmerals  containing  water. 

Aluminite  and  Alunogen  (both  aluminum  sulphates) — 
Johannite  (uranium  sulphates) — Goslarite  (zinc  sulphate) 
— Pissophanite  (aluminum  and  iron  sulphates) ^ — Cacoxene 
(aluminumj  iron,  silica  and  phosphoric  acid). 

Becoming  blue  when  treated  with  cobalt  solution : 
Aluminite  ;  infasible  before  the  blowpipe  ;  H=5. — Aluno- 
gen intumesces  and  subsides  into  an  infusible  mass;  readily 
soluble  in  water. — Fissophanite  ;  blue  tint  in  cobalt  reac- 
tion not  very  decisive;  borax  bead  exhibits  the  iron  reac- 
tion; blackens  before  the  blowpipe. 

Becoming  green  when  treated  Avith  cobalt  solution  : 
Goslarite  gives  on  charcoal  a  coating,  yellow  when  hot, 
white  when  cold;  intumesces  on  the  coal  and  then  becomes 
infusible  and  white. 

Johannite  before  the  blowpipe  flame  becomes  a  black 
mass  and  rather  soft;  colors  the  borax  bead  green  ;  color, 
green  ;  streak,  pale  green. 

Cacoxene  decrepitates  and  yields  in  the  oxidation  flame 
a  magnetic  scoriae  ;  the  borax  bead  exhibits  the  iron  reac- 
tion ;  yellow  ;  streak,  yellow. 

h.  Anhydrous  idinerals. 

Pyrrhotine — Pyrite — Marcasite  (all  iron  sulphides) — 
Alabandite  (manganese  sulphide)- — Hauerite  (manganese 
sulphide — Blende     (zinc    sulphide) — Greenockite    (cad- 


The    Blowpipe.  129 

miiim  sulphide) — Molybdenite  (inoljbdeniim  sulphide) — 
Christophite  (iron  and  zinc  sulphides) — Bornite — Chalco- 
pyrite  (iron  and  copper  sulphides) — Chalcocite  and  Co- 
vellite  (both  copper  sulphides) — Castillite  (copper  and  zinc 
sulphides) — Stannite  (iron,  tin  and  copper  sulphides). 

The  borax  bead  presents  the  iron  reaction  :  Pyrite  fuses 
in  the  reduction  flame  to  a  black  magnetic  globule  ;  yellow 
color  ;  streak,  gray  ;  E[=8  to  6.5. — 31arcaslte  behaves  like 
pyrite  ;  yields  a  sulphurous  odor  when  heated  on  charcoal ; 
greenish  yellow  color;  streak,  greenish  black  ;  H=6  to  6.5. 
— Fyrrhotite  fuses  to  a  black  magnetic  mass  ;  is  magnetic 
slightly  before  heating  ;  bronze  color ;  streak,  blackisli 
gray  ;  H=3.5  to  4.5. 

Borax  bead  violet  in  oxidation  flarne:  Alahandite  fuses 
only  on  the  edges ;  color,  brown  to  black  ;  streak,  green ; 
11=3.5. — Hauerite  in  the  closed  tube  gives  a  sulphur  sub- 
limate and  a  green  residue;  color,  brownish  red;  streak, 
brownish  red  ;  11=4. 

Giving  a  coating  on  charcoal  yellow  when  hot  and  white 
when  cold :  Blende  decrepitates  before  the  blowpipe  but 
does  not  fuse ;  streak  varies  from  yellowish  white  to  brown  ; 
11=3.5. —  Christophite  gives  the  iron  reactions  ;  color,  vel- 
vety black  ;  streak,  blackish  brown  ;  11=5. 

Greenocklte  yields  only  brown  scoriie  ;  streak  varies 
from  orange  yellow  to  brick  red. 

Molyhdenite  ;  the  microcosmic  salt  bead  is  green  in  the 
reduction  flame  ;  becomes  brown  when  heated  in  the  closed 
tube  ;  infusible. 

Giving  a  globule  of  copper  when  fused  with  soda  and 
borax ;  also  giving  a  brown  borax  bead  in  the  reduction 
flame  if  tin-foil  be  added :  Chcdoocite  fuses  on  coal  to  a 
globule  which  forms  projections  by  spirting  ;  metallic  lus- 
tre ;  streak,  black  ;  11=2.5  to  3. —  Covellite  is  like  the  pre- 
ceding, except  it  has  a  greasy  lustre. — Bornite  fuses  to  a 
6* 


130  Thk    Blowpipk. 

steel  giTiV  magnetic  globule ;  copper  red,  or  iridescent ; 
streak,  black;  gives  the  iron  reactions. —  Chalcopyrite  de- 
crepitates and  fuses  to  a  gray  magnetic  mass ;  metallic  lus- 
tre ;  pale  yellow  or  iridescent ;  streak,  greenish  black  ; 
gives  iron  reaction. —  CastiUite  fuses  with  bubbling  ;  yields 
the  zinc  coating  on  coal  ;  color,  lead  gray  ;  streak,  reddish 
brown. — Stannite  fuses  to  a  brittle  globule  ;  gives  iron  re- 
actions ;  and  with  carbonate  of  soda  on  the  coal  yields 
small  beads  of  tin  ;  metallic  lustre  ;  11^4.5. 

3.  THE    FUSED   MASS    GIVES     XO    SULPHUR     REACTION, 
BUT  YIELDS  A  METALLIC  GLOBULE. 

a.  lite  gJoljide  is  lismuth. 

]S"atiYe  Bismuth — Bismite  (bismuth  oxide) — Bismntite 
(bismuth  carbonate)— Euljtite  (bismuth  silicate). 

Bismutli  fuses  readily,  has  a  metallic  lustre,  silver  white 
color  with  a  slight  ruddy  tinge  ;  brittle  ;  H=2.5. — Bismite 
reduces  easil}^  to  a  metallic  globule ;  easily  crushed  ;  color 
yellow  or  yellowish  white  ;  streak,  yellov/ish  white  ;  H^l.o. 
— IMsmutite  reduces  easily ;  in  the  closed  tube  it  turns 
brown  and  yields  water  ;  eflervesces  with  acids ;  has  a  vit- 
reous lustre;  color,  white. — Eulytite  fuses  readily;  the 
microcosmic  salt  bead  presents  a  skeleton  of  silica ;  ada- 
mantine  lustre;  brown;  streak,  yellow  to  gray ;  H=4.5. 

h.    The  metallic  globule  is  lead. 

Xative  Lead — Plattnerite  (lead  oxide) — Minium  (lead 
oxide) — Matlockite  (lead,  oxide  and  chloride) — Mendipite 
(lead  oxide  and  lead  chloride) — Pyromorphite  (lead  phos- 
phate and  lead  chloride) — Cerusite  (lead  carbonate) — 
Phosgenite  (lead  carbonate  and  lead  chloride) — Stolzite 
(lead  tnngstate)— Vrulfenite  (lead  molybdate) — Yanadinite 


The    Blowpipe.  131 

(lead  chloride  and  lead  vanadate) — Dechenite  (lead  vana- 
date —  Crocoite  (lead  clironiate)  — ■  Melancliroite  (lead 
chromate) — Eusynchite  (lead  and  zinc  vanadates) — Yan- 
qnelinite  (copper  and  lead  clironiates). 

Giving  the  oxygen  reaction  :  Plattnerite  ;  color,  iron 
black ;  streak,  brown.  —  Minium  •  color,  red ;  streak, 
orange. 

Eifervescing  with  acids  :  Cerusite  decrepitates  before 
the  blowpipe  ;  takes  an  orange  colored  coating  and  finally 
reduces  to  a  bead  of  lead  ;  11=3. — Phosgenite  fuses  easily 
in  the  exterior  liame  to  a  globule  which  is  pale  yellow 
upon  cooling  ;  reduces  easily,  yielding  acid  vapors. 

The  borax  bead  becomes  green  in  the  interior  and  yel- 
low in  the  exterior  flame:  Vanadinite  decrepitates  strong- 
ly ;  fuses  to  a  globule ;  emits  sparks  and  reduces  to  metal- 
lic lead. — Dechenite  fuses  easily;  streak,  yellowish. —  Eu- 
syncMte  yields  a  zinc  coating  upon  charcoal  ;  streak,  pale 
yellow. 

The  borax  bead  in  either  flame  presents  the  green  of  the. 
chromium  reaction:  d'ocoite  decrepitates,  fuses  easily  and 
spreads  over  the  coal ;  adamantine  lustre ;  orange  streak. 
— Melancliroite  decrepitates  slightly  and  reduces  to  a  dark 
colored  mass ;  streak,  brick  red. —  J'^anquelinite  gives  the 
copper  reaction  ;  intumesces  slightly  upon  coal,  then  boils 
strongly  and  becomes  a  dark  gray  globule  ;  streak,  yellow- 
ish green. — Pyromoiyhite  decrepitates  in  the  glass  tube  ; 
fuses  upon  charcoal  in  the  exterior  flame,  to  a  bead  whicli 
upon  cooling  exhibits  a  crystalline  surface,  giving  at  the 
same  time  a  thin  white  C(>ating  of  lead  chloride;  colors  the 
flame  blue;  yields  sometimes  an  odor  of  arsendc. 

The  microcosmic  salt  bead  in  the  reduction  flame  pre- 
sents the  blue  of  tungsten  :  Stohile  fuses  on  charcoal  to  a 
crystalline  globule  with  metallic  lustre  ;  streak,  gray. 

The  microcosmic  salt  bead   presents  the  green  color  of 


132  The    Blow  pi  pi:. 

molybcleiium :  Wulfen  Ite  decrepitates  and  tlien  fuses ;  streak, 
white. 

Mendipite  upon  charcoal  diifuses  the  odor  of  hydrochlo- 
ric acid  ;  reduces  to  metallic  lead. 

3IatIocJxite  decrepitates  and  then  fuses  to  a  yellowish 
gray  globule  ;  the  presence  of  chlorine  in  this  and  the  pre- 
ceding example  is  best  detected  by  the  vret  process. 

JSTative  Lead^  easily  fusible,  gives  npon  charcoal  an 
abundant  yellow  coatius; ;  metallic  lustre  ;  streak,  shining; 
11=1.5. 

c.  The  metallic  globule  is  silver. 

Kative  Silver — Cerargyrite  (silver  chloride) — Bromy- 
rite  (silver  bromide) ^ — lodyrite  (silver  iodide) — Amalgam 
(silver  and  mercury). 

Silver  fuses  before  the  blowpipe ;  fibrous  fracture  ; 
streak,  brilliant. 

Cerargyrite  fuses  in  a  candle  flame  ;  yields  before  the 
blowpipe  a  brownish  bead  ;  transparent ;  conchoidal  frac- 
ture ;    streak,  white  ;   11=1.5. 

Uromyrite  ;  the  powder  is  bright  green  but  becomes 
rapidly  gray. 

lodyrite  fuses  to  a  silver  globule,  coloring  the  flame 
purple  ;    streak,  brilliant ;    PI=1. 

Amalgam  in  the  glass  tube  gives  sublimate  of  mercury  ; 
on  charcoal  the  mercury  evaporates  and  the  silver  remains; 
H=3. 

'].  The  globule  is  cojyper,  or  there  is  a.  cupreous  scori-a 
remaining. 

jSTative  Copper — Cuprite  (copj^er  sub-oxide) — ]\Ielac- 
onite  (copper  oxide) — Atacamite  (copper  chloride  and 
copper  hydrate) — Libethenite — Thrombolite  and  Pseudo- 


The    Blowpipe.  133 

Malachite  (copper  phosphates  and  hydrates) — Mahichite 
and  Azurite  (copper  carbonate  and  hydrate) — Dioptase 
and  Chrjsocolla  (copper  sihcate  and  hydrate) — Crednerite 
(copper  and  manganese  oxides) — Yolborthite  (copper  and 
calcium  vanadate). 

Are  anhydrous :  Kative  Copper;  granular  fractm-e; 
copper  red  color  ;  metallic  lustre  ;  brilliant  streak  ;  H=2.5. 
—  Cuprite  first  blackens  and  then  reduces  to  a  globule  of 
copper;  carmine  red  color;  streak,  brownish  red;  H=3.5. 
-^Melaconite  reduces  easily  to  metallic  copper  ;  color,  steel 
gray,  blue  or  brownish  black;  streak,  dull;  H==3. —  Cred- 
?ier^^e,  .infusible  and  yields  tlie  mauganese  reaction  ;  H=4.5. 

Are  hydrates  : — infusible  before  the  blowpipe  :  Dioptase 
assumes  a  blackish  color  in  the  exterior  flame  and  red  in  the 
interior  flame;  streak,  green;  the  microcosmic  salt  bead 
exhibits  a  skeleton  of  silica ;  11=5. —  ChrysocoUa  first 
blackens  and  then  turns  brown  before  the  blowpipe  ;  streak, 
greenish  white  ;  shows  silica  in  the  salt  of  phosphorus 
bead;  H=2.5. 

Efiervescing  Y>^ith  acids  :  Malachite  fuses  to  a  globule 
and  reduces  at  a  high  temperature;  color,  green;  streak, 
green. — Azurite  fuses  and  reduces  before  the  blowpipe; 
color,  blue ;  streak,  blue. 

Atacamite  colors  the  flame  bluish  green;  H=4. 

Libetlienite  fuses  on  charcoal  to  a  steel  gray  globule  ; 
greasy  or  vitreous  lustre ;  color,  green  ;  streak,  greenish 
yellow  ;  H=3.o. 

JPseudo-malachite  fuses  to  a  steel  gray  globule ;  vitreous 
lustre;  green  color;  streak,  green;  11=4.5. 

Thromholite  fuses  to  a  black  globule,  and  then  reduces 
to  copper,  after  long  blowing;    11=3,  or  4. 

Yolhortfdte  fuses  on  charcoal  to  a  black  scoria  ;  yields 
water  in  the  closed  tube  and  turns  black;  color,  olive  green; 
streak,  yellow ;  11=3.5. 


134  T  II  ];    15  Lo  \v  pi  p  e 


e.   The  globule  is  soihe  other  metal, 

Asbolite  (cobalt  and  manganese  oxides)  —  Zaratite 
(nieliel  carbonate) — Xative  Gold. 

Asho^.ite  colors  the  borax  bead  blue  ;  gives  a  green  mass 
when  fused  on  platinum-foil  with  nitre  and  sodium  carbon- 
ate.— Zaratite  colors  the  borax  bead  in  the  outer  flame  red- 
dish brown  ;  effervesces  with  acids. —  Gold  fuses  with  diffi- 
culty ;  high  specific  gravity,  yellow  color;  H=2.5. 


III.  THE  BOKAX  BEAD  BECOMES  AMETHYST 
COLOEED  IE  THE  OXIDIZIjSTG  FLAME. 

1.  IrllNERALS  WITH  METALLIC  LUSTRE. 

Pyrolusite — Haussmanite  — Braunite  —  Marceline  — 
(all  manganese  oxides,  the  latter  one  contains  silica  also) 
• — Acerdase  (manganese  oxide  and  hydrate) — Psilomelane 
(manganese  and  barium  hydrates) — Wolframite  (iron  and 
manganese  tungstate). 

Releasing  chlorine  when  heated  with  sulphuric  acid  and 
salt :  Pyrolusite  yields  much  chlorine  ;  streak,  black;  H=2. 
■ — Haussmanite  gives  but  little  chlorine  ;  streak,  brownisli; 
H=5.5. — J^raunite  gives  but  little  chlorine;  streak,  black; 
H=G.5. — Marceline  resembles  braunite. — Acerdase  yields 
but  little  chlorine  ;  gives  w^ater  in  the  closed  tube  ;  streak, 
brown;  H^=4, — Psilomelane  disengages  but  little  ciilorine, 
and  yields  a  little  water  in  the  closed  tube;  lustre,  not  vr-i-y 
metallic  ;  streak,  brilliant  brown  or  black;  dissolves  easily 
in  hydrochloric  acid  and  then  gives  a  precipitate  witli  sul- 
phuric acid. 

Di^eneao-iiio-  no  chlorine  :    JVolfrcnniie  fuses  easilv  to  a 


T  11  ]•:    B  L  o  w  p  I  p  E  .  135 

magnetic  globule  covered  with  crystals;  dissolves  in  hydro- 
chloric acid,  leaving  a  yellow  residue  ;  streak,  brown  or 
black;  H=5.o. 

2.  MINERALS  WITHOUT  METALLIC  LUSTRE. 

lihodclirosite  (manganese  carbonate) — Man ganocal cite 
(manganese,  calcium  and  magnesium  carbonates) — Khod- 
onite  and  Tephroite  (manganese  silicate) — Helvite  (iron, 
manganese  and  glucinum  silicates  with  manganese  sul- 
phide)— 'Wad  (oxides  of  manganese,  calcium  and  barium) 
Carpholite  (manganese  and  aluminum  silicates) — Spess- 
partite  (aluminum,  manganese  and  calcium  silicates) — 
Pyrochroite  (manganese  hydrate) — Piedmontite  (alumi- 
num and  manganese  silicates) — Zwieselite  (manganese 
and  iron  phosphates  with  iron  fluoride)  —  Childrenite 
(manganese,  iron  and  aluminum  phosphates) — Tantalite 
(iron  and  manganese  tantalate) — -Columbite  (iron  and 
manganese  columbate  and  tantalate) — -Triplite  and  Triph- 
ylite  (iron  and  manganese  phosphates). 

Giving  w^ater  in  the  closed  tube  :  Wad  disengages 
chlorine  with  sulphuric  acid  and  salt;  reduces  sensibly  in 
volume  before  the  blowpipe;  greasy  lustre;  brown  streak; 
makes  a  mark  on  paper;  11=1. — Pyrochroite  ;  pearly  lus- 
tre; white;  becomes  bronze  colored  by  exposure  to  the  air; 
turns  first  green  and  then  brow^n  under  the  action  of  the 
blowpipe;  11=1  or  1.5. —  Carpholite  intumesces  before  the 
blowpipe  and  then  fuses  with  difficulty  to  a  brownish  opaque 
enameled  bead;  pearly  lustre;  yellowish  color;  white 
streak;  11=5. —  Childrenite  intumesces  before  the  blowpipe 
and  colors  the  flame  bluish  green ;  yields  much  water  in 
the  glass  tube;  has  a  wine  yellow  color;  a  vitreous  lustre; 
transparent;  yellowish  streak;  11=5. 

Eftorvescino;  Avith  hydrochloric   acid:     PJiodochrosite 


13G  TiiK    ]>Lowi'irE. 

decrepitates  slightly  before  the  ]jlo\vpii)e;  streak,  reddish 
white  ;  11=4. — Mangcuiocakite  gives  a  white  streak  ;  H= 
5  ;  blowpipe  reactions  same  as  preceding. 

Giving   a   skeleton   of  silica  in   tlie   salt    of  phosphorus 
bead : 

a.  Soluble  in  hydrochloric  acid:  Tephroite  fuses  to  a 
black  scoria;  vitreous  lustre  ;  color,  gray  or  brown;  streak, 
gray;  11  =  5.5. — Ilelvite  boils  and  fuses  before  the  blow- 
pipe; in  the  reducing  flame  it  yields  a  semi-opaque  bead; 
gives  a  bismuth  coating  on  charcoal ;  affords  also  the  sul- 
phur reaction ;  greasy  lustre  ;  green  color  ;  gray  streak  ; 
11=6. 

h.  Insoluble  in  hydrochloric  acid  :  Ilhodonite  fuses  on 
charcoal  to  a  black  bead;  brownish  red  color;  reddish 
v/hite  streak  ;  H  =  5.5. — Piedmontlte  fuses  easily  to  a  black 
glass;  reddish  black  color;  clear  gray  streak;  H^5  to  6. 
— Spesspartite  fuses  easily;  brownish  red  color;  gray 
streak  ;  H=6. 

Zwieselite  decrepitates  before  the  blowpipe  and  fuses 
easily  ;  if  v/et  with  hydrochloric  acid,  colors  the  flame  blue; 
brown  color;  grayish  white  streak;  H=5. 

Tantalite  ;  infusible ;  gives  feebly  the  manganese  reac- 
tion; iron  black  color;  brov>'n  streak;  II=G.5. 

Cohanhite,  also  infusible;  gives  feeble  manganese  re- 
action ;  blackish  brown  color;  11  =  6.5. 

Triplite  fuses  easily;  boils  strongly  and  gives  a  brilliant 
globule  ;  streak,  greenish  gray  to  brownish  yellow ;  11= 
b.6. 

TriphyUte  fuses  cpiietly  and  easily  to  a  steel  gray  mag- 
netic globule ;  colors  the  flame  a  pale  blue-green  color  ; 
sometimes  reddish  ;  gives  feebly  the  manganese  reaction  ; 
greasy  lustre  ;  greenish  gray  color;  streak,  gray. 


The    Blowpipe.  137 


lY.  THE  SUBSTANCE,  FJJLYYFdZEB  AND 
CALCINED,  GIYES  WHEN  TEEATED  WITH 
COBALT  SOLUTION  UNDEE  THE  BLOW- 
PIPE, A  GEEEN  COLOE. 

Zincite  (zinc  oxide) — Smitlisonite  (zinc  carbonate) — 
Iljdrozincite  (liydrated  zinc  carbonate) — Gabnite  (zinc, 
iron,  magnesium  and  abarainum  oxides) — Willemite  (zinc 
silicate) — Calamine  (bjdrated  zinc  silicate). 

Effervescing  witli  hydrochloric  acid:  Smct7iso?iite ;  in- 
fusible ;  11=5. — Hydrozlncite  yields  water  in  the  closed 
tube  ;  color,  white;  streak,  shining  ;  H=2.5. 

Giving  a  skeleton  of  silica  in  the  microcosmic  salt 
bead:  Calamine  decrepitates  and  gives  off  water  in  the 
closed  tube;  sometimes  of  a  delicate  bluish  tint;  streak, 
white;  H=o. —  TE^Y/e^/z/fe  yields  no  water;  brittle  and  ex- 
hibits a  conchoidal  fracture;   11=5.5. 

Soluble  in  hydrochloric  acid:  Zi/icite  has  an  adaman- 
tine lustre  and  yellow  streak  ;   H=4. 

Insoluble  in  hydrochloric  acid  :  Gahnite  lias  a  vitreous 
lustre  and  a  vrhite  streak. 


Y.  SOLUBLE  WITHOUT  EESIDUE  IN  IIYDKO- 
CHLOKIC  ACID. 

1.  FUSIBLE  BEFORE  THE   BLOWPIPE. 

a.    Yielding  vxtter  in  the  closed  tube. 

Sassolite   (boric   acid) — Ilydroboracite  (calcium   and 
magnesium  borates) — Torbernite    (calcium   and   copper 


138  T  K  E    Blowpipe. 

phosphates  with  iiraniuin   oxide) — Dnfrenite  and   Yivia- 
nite  (both  ii'on  phosphates). 

SassoUte  colors  the  flame  green  and  gives  a  sublimate 
in  the  closed  tube;  Ii=l. 

JTi/droboracite  fuses  ixud  colors  the  flame  pale  green ; 
partially  soluble  in  water;   11=2. 

Torhernite  gives  reaction  of  uranium  ;  streak,  varying 
from  yellow  to  green. 

Dufrenife  gives  the  iron  reaction  in  the  borax  bead; 
fuses  on  coal  to  an  earthy  globule  ;  silky  lustre  ;  color,  va- 
rying from  green  to  brown:  streak,  yellowish  gray ;  11= 
1.5. 

Yivianite  boils  before  the  blowpipe  and  becomes  red; 
lustre,  vitreous  ;  streak,  bluish  Avhite  ;  11=1.5. 

h.    Yielding  no  water  in  dosed  tuhe. 

Wagnerite  (magnesium  phosphate  and  magnesium 
fluoride) — Apatite  (calcium  phosphate  with  calcium  fluo- 
ride and  chloride) — Amblygonite  (aluminum,  sodium  and 
lithium  phosphates,  together  with  lithium  and  aluminum 
fluorides) — Chiolite  and  Cryolite  (sodium  and  aluminum 
fluorides) — Boracite  (magnesium  borate  with  magnesium 
chloride) — Keilhanite  (contains  calcium,  iron,  titanium, 
yttrium  and  aluminum,  mostly  as  silicates) — Molybdite 
(molybdenum  oxide). 

Boracite  colors  the  flame  pale  green,  and  a  very  high 
temperature  yields  water  ;  H==7. 

Assuming  a  bluish  green  color  when  wet  with  sulphuric 
acid  :  'Wcignerite  boils  and  fuses  ;  dissolves  in  dilute  sul- 
phuric acid  ;  H=3. — Apatite  fuses  quietly;  insoluble  in 
dilute  sulphuric  acid  ;  11=5.  —  Amhlygonite  fuses  very 
easily ;  gives  feebly  the  reaction  for  fluorine,  also  of 
lithium;   H==2. 


The    B  l  o  w  p  i  e  e  .  139 

Cri/oUte  iiises  even  in  an  ordinary  flame  to  a  limpid  bead 
which  becomes  opaque  upon  cooling  ;  in  the  closed  tube 
gives  the  reaction  for  hydrofluoric  acid;  H==2.5. —  Ohio- 
lite,  same  reactions  as  cryolite ;  H=4  ;  both  substances 
exhibit  soda  reaction  in  the  flame. 

JTeilhcmite;  the  salt  of  phosphorus  bead  contains  a 
skeleton  of  silica ;  in  the  inner  flame  it  exhibits  the  char- 
acteristic color  of  titanium  compounds. 

3folybdite  gives  molybdenum  reaction ;  earthy  appear- 
ance; yellow  streak. 

2.  INFUSIBLE  BEFORE  THE  BLOWPIPE. 

a.  Mineral  hydrates. 

Uraconite  (uranium  oxide) — Turquoise — Peganite — 
Fischerite  (aluminum  phosphates  with  different  propor- 
tions of  water) — Wavellite  (aluminum  phosphate  and 
aluminum  fluoride) — Lantlianite  (lanthanum  carbonate) 
— Parisite  (lanthanum  and  cerium  carbonates) — Gibbsite 
(aluminum  hydrated  oxide). 

Coloring  the  flame  green  if  first  wet  with  sulphuric 
acid  :  Turquoise  turns  brown  before  the  blowpipe  ;  colors 
the  flame  green;  greenish  blue  color;  white  streak;  H=6. 
— Pegcmite  turns  pink  in  closed  tube  ;  otherwise  like  tur- 
quoise; H=3.5. — Flscherite  turns  white  in  tube;  has  a 
green  color;  H=5. —  Wavellite  in  the  closed  tube  releases 
hydrofluoric  acid ;  turns  white  ;  exhibits  the  blue  of  alu- 
mina if  treated  with  cobalt  solution. 

Effervescing  with  hydrochloric  acid :  Lantlianite 
browns  in  the  closed  tube;  pearly  or  dull  lustre ;  streak, 
white. — Parisite  browns  in  tlie  glass  tube;  vitreous  lustre; 
Btreak,  white. 

Uraconite;   the  microcosmic  salt  bend  gives  the  ura- 


140  '  T  II  i:    13  L  o  Av  V  I  VIZ. 

niiim  reaction  ;  becomes  red  in  the   closed  tube ;   earthy- 
looking;  3^ellow;  H=l. 

Glbbsite  whitens  and  exfoliates  before  the  blowpipe ; 
becomes  luminous  without  fusing ;  becomes  deep  blue  with 
cobalt  solution  ;  transparent ;  11=2.5. 

h.  Anhydrous  minerals. 

Uraninite  (aranium  oxides) — Chromic  Oxide — Mag- 
nesite  (magnesium  carbonate) — Monazite  (cerium  and 
lanthanum  phosj)hates) — Poljcrase  (titanium,  iron,  zir- 
conium, yttrium  and  niobium  oxides) — Periclasite  (mag- 
nesium oxide) — Apatite  (phosphate,  fluoride  and  chloride 
of  calcium) — Fluocerite  (cerium  fluoride). 

Uraninite  gives  the  reaction  of  uranium  ;  greasy  lus- 
tre; black  streak  ;  11=5.5. 

Chromic  Oxide ;  gives  beautiful  green  color  to  the 
borax  bead  ;  soft  and  earthy. 

Apatite  if  wet  with  sulphuric  acid  colors  the  flame  blue- 
green. 

Ilagnesite  effervesces  with  acid  and  takes  a  flesh  color 
when  treated  with  cobalt  solution. 

Monazite  if  moistened  with  suljDhuric  acid,  colors  the 
flame  bluish  green  ;  streak,  reddish  yellow. 

Poll/erase  decrepitates  before  the  blowpipe ;  heated 
rapidly  it  forms  a  brilliant  brownish  yellow  mass ;  streak, 
brownish  yellow. 

Fluocerite  yields  the  fluorhydric  acid  reaction  ;  whitens 
before  the  blowpipe. 

Periclasite  becomes  bright  red  if  treated  with  cobalt 
solution  ;  vitreous  lustre  ;  H=6. 


The    Blowpipe.  141 


YI.  SOLUBLE  IlSr  HYDROCHLOKIC  ACID  BUT 
FORMmG  A  DEPOSIT  OF  GELATINOUS 
SILICA. 

1.  FUSIBLE  BEFORE  THE  BLOWPIPE. 

a.  Minerals  Gontaining  vKiter. 

Datholite  (boro-silicate  of  lime) — Xatrolite,  Analcite 
and  Ginelinite  (sodmm  aud  aluminum  silicates) — Scole- 
cite,  Laumontite,  Gismondite  and  Thomsonite  (calcium 
and  aluminum  silicates) — Philipsite  (calcium,  potassium 
and  aluminum  silicate) — Faujasite  (calcium,  sodium  and 
aluminum  silicate) — Hisingerite  (ferrous  and  ferric  sili- 
cates)— Chloropal  (ferric  silicate). 

Communicating  the  yellow  color  of  sodium  to  the  flame: 
JSfatrolite  becomes  opaque  before  the  blowpipe  and  then 
fuses  to  a  transparent  green;  vitreous  lustre;  gives  often  an 
alkaline  reaction  when  moistened;  H=5. — Analcite  fuses 
to  a  bead  which  is  opaque  but  containing  minute  transpa- 
rent bubbles  or  vesicles ;  vitreous  or  j)early  lustre ;  will 
give  the  alkaline  reaction;  H=5.5. — Philipsite  boils  and 
then  fuses  to  a  transparent  bead;  vitreous  lustre;  H=4.5. 
— Faujasite  gives  the  soda  flame  feebly,  boils  and  then 
fuses  to  a  white  enamel;  vitreous  or  adamantine  lustre ; 
H=7. 

Gmelinite  gives  feebly  soda  reaction  in  the  flame ;  fuses 
readily  to  a  semi-transparent  mass  filled  with  minute  bub- 
bles;  H==4.5. — Thomsonite  gives  soda  flame  feebly;  boils 
and  fuses  to  a  white  enamel;  H=5.5. 

DathoUie  yields  a  pale  green  in  the  flame,  due  to  boric 


1^2  T  II  E    B  L  o  w  r  I  p  E  . 

acid;  boils  before  llie  blowpipe  and  then  fuses;  greasy  or 
vitreous  lustre  ;  brittle;  11=5.5, 

Scolecite  intumesces  before  the  blowpipe  and  some  va- 
rieties curl  up  like  a  worm  (hence  the  name)  ;  it  also  fuses 
to  a  white  enamel,  containing  minute  bubbles ;  vitreous 
lustre;  H=5.5. 

Laumontite  boils  and  then  reduces  to  a  milk  white  bead; 
the  wet  powder  sometimes  gives  an  alkaline  reaction; 
H=3.5. 

Gismondlte  decrepitates,  then  becomes  transparent  and 
finally  fuses  to  a  white  enamel  full  of  air  bubbles;  lustre, 
vitreous  J  11=5. 

Hisingerite  gives  iron  reaction  in  the  borax  bead; 
fuses  to  a  black  opaque  vesicular  mass  which  is  magnetic; 
greasy  lustre;  black;  streak,  greenish  brown. 

Chloropal  assumes  a  red  color  before  the  blowpipe  ;  is 
magnetic  after  calcination  ;  pale  yellow  color  ;  has  an  unc- 
tuous feel;  H=2.5  to  4.5. 

J).  Anhydrous  Winer als. 

Hauynite  (sodium  and  aluminum  silicates  and  calcium 
sulphate) — Xosite  (sodium  and  aluminum  silicate  with 
sodium  sulphate) — Sodalite  (sodium  and  aluminum  sili- 
cate with  sodium  chloride) — Lapis  Lazuli  (aluminum 
sodium  and  calcium,  silicates  and  sulphates) — WoUaston- 
ite  (calcium  silicate) — Eudialyte  (zirconium,  iron  calcium 
and  sodium  silicates) — Eukolite  (zirconium,  calcium  and 
sodium  silicates) — j^ephelite  (aluminum  and  sodium  sili- 
cate)— Wernerite  (aluminum  and  calcium  silicates) — ■ 
Humboldtilite  (aluminum,  iron,  calcium,  and  sodium 
silicates) — Tscheffkinite  (titanium,  cerium,  iron,  lantha- 
num and  copper  silicates) — Orthite  (iron,  calcium,  alumi- 
num and  cerium  silicates) — Fayalite,  Lievrite  (aluminum, 
iron  and  manganese  silicates). 


The    Blowpipe.  143 

Giving  sulphur  reaction  if  treated  with  sodium  carbon- 
ate :  Jrlauynite^  decrepitates  and  fuses  to  a  blue  green 
bead ;  lustre,  vitreous  ;  color  varying  from  blue  to  white  ; 
streak  bluish-white ;  the  wet  powder  often  giving  an 
alkaline  reaction  ;  11=5.5. — Lapis  Lazuli  fuses  with  diffi- 
culty to  white  bead ;  rather  vitreous  lustre  ;  bright  blue 
color ;  yields  hydrogen  sulphide  if  treated  with  hydro- 
chloric acid  ;  H=5.5 — JS^osite  fuses  only  on  the  edges  to 
a  glass  full  of  bubbles  ;  11=5.5 — 6. 

In  the  borax  bead  saturated  with  copper  oxide  coloring 
the  flame  blue :  Socialite  fuses  to  a  colorless  and  limpid 
bead. — Eudialyte  fuses  to  an  opaque  green  bead. 

The  fused  mass  becoming  magnetic  :  Fayalite  fuses  to 
a  grayish  black  magnetic  globule,  brittle  and  having  a 
magnetic  lustre;  the  borax  bead  exhibits  the  iron  reac- 
tion; the  copper  reaction  may  be  obtained  in  the  reduc- 
tion flame  by  using  tin  ;  it  is  magnetic  before  calcination. 
— LievriCe  fuses  easily  to  a  black  magnetic  globule  ;  the 
borax  bead  presents  the  iron  reaction  ;  streak  black. 

'WoUastonite  fuses  tranquilly  to  a  transparent  gloss. 

^w/l-o^/^e  fuses  very  easily ;  after  the  separation  of  th© 
silica  the  hydrochloric  solution  turns  blue  if  tin  foil  be 
added;  the  mineral  has  a  brownish  red  color. 

JVq:>hel ite  iiises  without  intumescence;  greasy  or  vit- 
reous lustre  ;  wet  powder,  alkaline  ;  H=5.  5. 

Wernerite  fuses  with  considerable  bubbling  to  a  spongy 
Lead  ;  11=5  to  6. 

Humboldt ilite  fuses  to  a  yellowish  or  black  bead  ;  11=5. 

Tscheff  Iciiiite  boils  before  the  blowpipe  and  becomes 
porous;  throws  ofl"  incandescent  particles;  heated  more 
strongly  it  fuses  to  a  black  bead  ;  streak,  dark  brown; 
11=5  to  5.5. 

Orthite  fuses  with  intumescence  to  a  black  gloss;  yields 
a  little  water  in  the  closed  tube  ;  color  varying  from  brown 
to  black  ;  streak  vellow  to  o;reenish  Q-rav  :  11=5.5  to  6. 


144  The    B  l  o  w  r  i  i'  e  . 

2.  INFUSIBLE  BEFORE  THE  BLOWPIPE. 

a.  Minerals  containing  vKvter. 

Thorite  (tboriuin  silicate) — Cerite  (cerium  silicate)-— 
Serpentine,  Meerschaum,  Antigorite,  Monradite,  Chrjso- 
tiJe  (all  magnesium  silicates) — Colljrite  and  Allophane 
(aluminum  silicates) — Zeolite  (aluminum  and  magnesium 
silicate) — Diaclasite  (magnesium  and  iron  silicates). 

Becoming  rose  color  with  cobalt  solution ;  terpentine 
fuses  upon  the  thin  edges  ;  blackens  and  yields  water  in  the 
closed  tube  ;  dull  or  greasy  lustre  ;  H.==3.4. — Diaclasite; 
much  like  serpentine  but  exhibits  a  pearly  lustre  upon  its 
cleavage  faces,  becomes  brown  before  the  blowpipe  and 
magnetic  after  calcination. — Antigorite  splits  into  smooth 
thin  laminse  which  may  be  fused  under  the  blowpipe  to  a 
brownish  yellow  mass ;  H^2.5. — Monradite  becomes 
darker  colored  before  the  blowpipe  ;  color,  yellow  ;  lustre 
vitreous  ;  H=G. — Neolite^  greasy  or  silky  lustre  ;  greasy  to 
the  touch;  H=l. —  Chrysotile  becomes  white  before  the 
blov/pipe ;  has  a  silky  lustre  and  constitutes  most  of  the 
amianthus  of  the  serpentine  rocks. — Meerschaum  has  an 
earthy  texture  ;  very  light  ;  it  contains  hygroscopic  moist- 
ure which  is  readily  given  oif  in  the  closed  tube ;  at  a 
higher  temperature  yields  much  water  ;  H=2. 

Taking  a  blue  color  when  treated  with  cobalt  solution ; 
Allopliane  colors  the  flame  green  ;  contains  much  water  ; 
Colly  rite  absorbs  moisture  ;  has  a  glimmering  lustre,  a 
greasy  feel,  and  adheres  to  the  tongue  ;  H=-1.5. 

Thorite  is  orange,  yellow  or  black,  but  loses  its  color 
before  the  blowpipe;  vitreous  lustre;  streak,  reddish  gray. 

Cerite^  color,  brown  to  red ;  streak,  grayish  white ; 
11=5.5. 


T  H  E      B  L  O  W  P  I  P  E  .  145 

1}.  Anhydrous  Mine  reds. 

Gadolinite  (magnesium,  yttrium  and  cerium  silicates) 
— Gehlenite  (calcium  and  aluminum  silicates) — Chryso- 
lite and  Forsterite  (magnesium  silicates) — Chondrodite 
(magnesium  silicate  and  fluoride). 

Gadolinite;  the  vitreous  varieties  become  incandescent, 
then  suddenly  brilliant  with  intumescence ;  other  varieties 
with  a  laminated  fracture  whiten,  intumesce  and  exfoliate  ; 
black  color;  grayish  green  streak  ;  H=6.5. 

Gehlenite  does  not  intumesce  ;  lustre,  slightly  greasy; 
color,  grayish;  streak,  white;  H=5.5. 

Chrysolite  /  unalterable  before  the  blowpi2}e  ;  vitreous 
lustre,  greenish  yellow  color;   streak,  white. 

Chondrodite  becomes  milky  white  before  the  blowpipe ; 
heated  strongly  it  gives  feebly  the  reaction  of  fluorhydric 
acid ;  color  reddish  or  brownish  yellow ;  streak,  white ;  H=6. 

Forsterite  behaves  like  chondrodite;  lead  gray  to  yel- 
low ;    11=5.5, 


V^II.  SOLUBLE  m  HYDEOCHLOEIC  ACID, 
LEAYIKG  A  EESIDUE  OF  SILICA  WHICH 
IS  NOT  GELATIIS^OUS. 

1.  MINERALS    CONTAINIXG  WATER. 

Danburite  (calcium  borosilicate) — Lepid elite  (lithium 
and  aluminum  silicate  and  lithium  fluoride) — Petalite, 
Spodumene  (lithium  and  aluminum  silicates) — Diallage 
(calcium,  magnesium  and  iron  silicates) — Diopside  (calcium 
and  magnesium  silicates) — Augite  (calcium,  magnesium, 
7 


146  T  II  E    1>  L  o  w  p  I  r  E  . 

iron  and  almninuni  silicates) — Axinite  (aliuniniim,  cal- 
cium, iron  and  inan<^anese ;  borates  and  silicates) — 
Treniolite  (calcium  and  magnesium  silicates) — Araplii- 
bole,  Spliene  (calcium  titanate  and  silicate) — Orthoclaso 
(potassium  and  aluminmn  silicates) — Albite  (aluminum 
and  sodium  silicates) — Zoisite  (calcium  and  aluminum 
silicates) — Epidote  (calcium,  manganese,  iron  and  alumi-. 
num  silicates) — Garnet  (iron  and  aluminum  silicates)— 
Idocrase  (aluminum,  iron,  calcium  and  magnesium  sil- 
icates)— Muscovite  (potassium  and  aluminum  silicates) — 
Acmite  (sodium  and  iron  silicates) — Tourmaline  (alumi- 
num, litliium  and  manganese,  silicates  and  borates). 

The  flame  presenting  the  coloration  of  lithium  especial- 
ly if  the  substance  be  fused  with  2:>otassium  bisulphate  : 
Lepldolite  boils,  fuses  easily  to  a  bead  filled  with  bubbles  \ 
gives  reaction  of  fluorhydric  acid  ;  B[=2.o. — Petalite  fuses 
readil}^  to  a  white  enamel:  II=G. — Spodumene  intumesces 
and  fuses  to  a  translucent  bead  ;  vitreous  lustre,  pearly 
upon  the  cleavage  faces. 

The  flame  presents  the  color  of  boric  acid :  Danhuriie 
fuses  to  a  bead  translucent  while  hot,  opaque  when  cold  ; 
color,  yellow ;  streak,  white  ;  lustre,  vitreous  ;  H==7. — 
Ax'uiite  fuses  with  boiling  to  a  deep  green  bead  ;  vitreous 
lustre  ;  color,  brown  to  violet  blue  ;  H=7. — Ihurmcdlne^ 
intumesces  and  fuses,  but  with  difficulty  ;  11=7.5. 

Diallage  fuses  before  the  blowpipe,  has  a  pearly  lustre 
on  the  cleavage  surface  ;  is  generally  bright  green  and 
opaque  \  H=4. 

Uiopslde  fuses  to  a  white  bead;  colorless  or  bottie 
green  ;  H=6. 

AufjuG  fuses  to  a.  black  bead  ;  color,  dark  green  to 
black  ;  the  powdered  mineral  if  wet  has  an  alkaline  reac- 
tion ;  11=6. 


The    B  l  o  w  pipe.  11-7 

TremoUte  fuses  with  boiling  to  n.  v.liito  b:-au ;  color, 
white,  or  greenish  white. 

Amphibole  ;  same  as  treraolite  except  that  it  fuses  to  a 
green  bead.  (Xote  :  Amphibole  is  the  name  applied  to  a 
series  of  minerals  including  tremolite  :  Dana  calls  the  lat- 
ter m.agnesia-lime  ampliihole. — Ed.) 

Titanite  gives  titanium  reaction,  and  fuses  with  some 
intumescence  to  a  blackish  gloss. 

Orthoclase  (potash  feldspar)  fuses  quietly ;  color,  red- 
dish white,  greyish  white,  sometimes  green  ;  has  a  distinct 
cleavage  with  a  vitreous  lustre  frequently  inclining  to 
pearly.     11=6. 

Albite  (soda  feldspar)  presents  sharper  angles  than  the 
preceding  ;  fuses  rather  more  readily,  giving  soda  flame  re- 
action ;  colors  much  the  same  as  above  though  more  fre- 
quently translucent.     H=3. 

Zoisite  fuses  with  intumescence  and  boiling  to  a  spongy 
mass  of  a  cauliflower  shape;  after  fusion  it  dissolves  to  a 
siliceous  jelly  in  hydrochloric  acid  ;  color,  gray. — Epidote^ 
same  as  preceding ;  color  of  the  fused  mass  is  brown  or 
black  ;  color  of  the  mineral  is  a  lively  green. 

Garnet  fuses  quietly;  concentrated  acids  attack  it 
slightly;  H=7. —  Vesiivianite,  or  Jcloo^ase,  much  the  same 
as  preceding ;  fuses  to  a  greenish  or  brownish  gloss ;  11=6.5. 
3fasoovUe  (potash  mica)  loses  its  transparency  before  the 
blowpipe,  becomes  white  and  brittle  and  finally  fuses  to 
an  enamel ;  in  a  closed  tube  yields  water  which  shows  a 
fluorine  reaction.     H=2  to  2.5. 

Acmite  fuses  easily  to  a  black  bead  ;  exhibits  iron  reac- 
tion in  the  borax  bead ;  is  strongly  attacked  by  acids  ; 
streak,  grayish  yellow. 

2,   MINEEALS  CO^^TAINING  WATEE. 

Apophylite  (calcium  and  potassium  silicates) — Anal- 


148  The     13  l  o  w  p  i  p  e. 

cite  (calciuin  and  sodium  silicates) — Brewstcrite  (alii- 
iniiium,  barium  and  strontium  silicates) — Chlorite  (alu- 
minum, magnesium  and  iron  silicates) — Clionicrite  (alu- 
minum, magnesium  and  calcium  silicates) — Gymnite 
(magnesium  silicate) — Ilarmotome  (aluminum  and  bar- 
ium silicates) — Heulandite  and  Stilbite  (aluminum  and 
calcium  silicates) — Pjrosclerite  (aluminum,  magnesium, 
chromium  and  iron  silicates) — Prehnite  (aluminum,  cal- 
cium and  iron  silicates) — Pectolite  (aluminum,  calcium 
and  sodium  silicates) — Mosandrite  (calcium  and  sodium 
silicates,  containing  also  iron  and  titanium) — Chabazite 
(aluminum,  calcium,  potassium  and  sodium  silicates.) 

Apophylite  exfoliates  and  fuses  to  a  whitish  enamel. 
H=4i-  to  5. 

Analcite^  white  or  nearly  so,  fuses  to  a  glass-like  mass, 
colorless,     11=5  to  6. 

Jirewsterite  fuses  to  an  opaque  white  glass. 

Chlorite  is  generally  deep  green  color  with  pearly 
lustre  ;  slightly  flexible  ;  whitens  under  the  blowpipe  and 
fuses  with  difficulty  to  a  blackish  mass. 

Chonicrlte.  H=2|-  to  3.  Fuses  with  intumescence 
to  a  whitish  glass. 

Gymnite  fuses  on  the  edges  only,  becoming  o-paque. 
H=2  to  3. 

Ilarmotome  fuses  without  intumescence  to  a  glass. 
H==4. 

Heulandite  has  a  pearly  lustre  ;  under  the  blowpipe 
exfoliates  and  fuses  to  a  white  enamel. 

Stilbite  has  a  vitreous  or  pearly  lustre  ;  under  the 
blowpipe  swells  u^d  and  assumes  various  forms,  finally  fus- 
ing to  an  enamel.     H=3  or  4, 

Pyrosclerite  is  of  a  greenish  color  and  fuses  to  a  glass. 
H=3. 


T  II  ]•:     B  r.  o  ^v  ]•  1 1'  e.  149 

Prehnite ;  green  and  with  pearly  lustre;  fuses  with 
intumescence  to  a  vesicular,  glass}^  mass.     11=6. 

JPectollte ;  fibrous,  white,  with  silky  lustre.  11=5 ; 
fuses  to  a  white  enamel. 

Mosayidrite  is  of  a  brownish  or  reddish  color.  H^4  ; 
fuses  to  a  brown  glass. 

Chahazite  has  a  vitreous  lustre,  and  is  wdiite  or  pinkish 
color ;  streak  white,  fuses  to  an  opaque  glass. 


YIII.  THE  SUBSTA^^CE  IS  I:N'S0LUBLE  m 
HYDKOCHLORIC  ACID,  AKD  YIELDS  m 
THE  MICROCOSMIC  SALT  BEAD  A  SKEL- 
ETON OF  SILICA. 

1.    IT  IS   FUSIBLE  BEFOEE  THE  BLOWPIPE. 

Amphigeiie  (aluminum  and  potassium  silicates) — 
Anorthite  (aluminum,  magnesium,  sodium  and  iron 
silicates) — Grossulaire  (aluminum  and  calcium  silicates) 
■ — Keilhauite  (titanium,  iron,  calcium  and  aluminum 
silicates) — Knebelite  (iron  and  manganese  silicates) — 
Labradorite  (aluminum,  calcium  and  sodium  silicates)— 
Sphene — Titanite  (titanium  and  calcium  silicate) — Ta- 
chylite  (aluminum,  calcium,  magnesium  and  sodium  sil- 
icates)— Wernerite    (aluminum,    calcium,   sodium    and 

iron  silicates). 

■'  #■ 

Ampliigene  gives  alumina  reaction  with  cobalt  solution; 
fuses  with  difficulty. 

Anorthite  is  wdiite  and  brittle ;  fuses  to  a  colorless 
glass. 

Grossulaire  is  a  form  of  garnet ;  fuses  to  a  brown  or 
black  glass. 


150  T  II  K       J]  L  ()  W  PIPE. 

Kellhauite  is  of  a  brown  to  black  color,  giving  yellow 
to  brown  streak ;  fuses  with  intumescence  to  a  black 
glass. 

KnebeUte  fuses  to  a  dull-looking  bead  wliicli  is  mag- 
netic. 

Lahradorite  has  a  pearly  lustre.  II=G  ;  fuses  to  a 
colorless  glass. 

^phene  or  Tltanite  is  brown,  yellow,  or  black  ;  streak 
white;  intnmesces,  and  fuses  to  a  dark-colored  glass. 

Tachylite  is  black  and  brittle  ;  fuses  to  a  black  glass. 

J\^ernerite  is  white  or  whitish  and  transparent.  H=G, 
fuses  to  a  white  glass. 

2.   INFUSIBLE  BEFOEE  THE  BLOWPIPE. 

Quartz — Biotite  (magnesium  and  aluminum  silicates) 
Talc  (magnesium  silicate) — lolite  (magnesium  and  alumi- 
num silicates) — Iljpersthene  (magnesium  and  iron  sili- 
cates)— Staurolite  (aluminum  and  iron  silicates) — Eme- 
rald— Euclase  (aluminum  and  glucinum  silicates) — Phen- 
acite  (glucinum  silicate) — Zircon  (zirconium  silicate) — 
Topaz  (aluminum  silicate  with  aluminum  and  silicon 
fluoride) — Uwarowite  (aluminum  and  chromium  silicates) 
■ — Chlorite  (aluminum,  iron  and  magnesium  silicates) — 
Eipidolite  (magnesium  silicate  with  magnesium  and  alu- 
minum oxides) — Opal  (silica  with  water) — Andalusite — 
Cyanite — Cimolite — Lithomarge — Kaolin  and  Pyrophyl- 
lite  (all  aluminum  silicates). 

Decomposed  by  concentrated  sulphuric  acid  :  Hiotite 
(magnesia  mica)  becomes  opaque  before  the  blowpipe  and 
fuses  only  on  the  edges ;  gives  iron  reaction  in  the  borax 
bead  ;  the  wet  powder  is  slightl}^  alkaline  ;  H==2.5. —  Chlo- 
?77e  exfoliates  before  the  blowjoipe,  whitens  or  blackens  and 


T  ir  K     1j  t.  o  ^^'  v  i  v  e.  1 51 

disengages  water  that  has  an  alkaline  reaction. — IHpido- 
lite,  same  as  chlorite  except  that  it  fuses  rather  more  easily 
upon  the  edges. 

Minerals  possessing  a  hardness  less  than  7  :  7hlc^  be- 
comes red  if  treated,  with  cobalt  solution  ;  exfoliates  j  is 
greasy  to  the  touch  ;  11=1. — II)jpersthene  is  broY>'n  or 
black  ;  has  a  metallic  lustre  on  one  face  ;  11=6. —  Andalu- 
site  gives  alumina  reaction  with  cobalt ;  is  nsually  translii 
cent. —  Cycmite  whitens  before  the  blowpipe,  and  then 
gives  the  alumina  reaction  with  cobalt  solution  ;  flexible ; 
H  nearly  7. —  Cimolite  yields  vrater  in  the  glass  tube; 
yields  decided  blue  color  with  the  cobalt  solution  ;  has  an 
earthy  look. — TAtliomarge  gives  up  water  in  the  glass  tube ; 
exhibits  fine  blue  reaction  with  cobalt ;  Avhitens  when 
alone  before  the  blowpipe  ;  greasy  to  the  touch  ;  streak, 
greenish  Avhite ;  11=2.5. — Kaolin  gives  off  water  in  the 
glass  tube  ;  affords  blue  reaction  with  cobalt ;  is  friable 
and  earthy. — PyrophyUite  yields  w^ater  in  the  glass  tube  ; 
exfoliates  on  the  coal  and  thenintumesces  considerably,  pro- 
ducing white  worm-like  masses  ;  greenish  ;  11=1.5. —  Opal 
yields  water  in  the  glass  tube  ;  scales  off  under  heating 
and  becomes  opaque  ;  11=5.5  to  6.5. 

Hardness  above  7  :  lolite  is  fusible  in  the  slightest  de- 
gree only;  has  a  vitreous  lustre  and  generally  a  bluish 
color. — Staurolite  is  partly  decomposed  by  sulphuric  acid ; 
gives  in  borax  bead  the  reaction  for  iron ;  becomes  darker 
colored  before  the  blowpipe. — 'Emerald  becomes  milky 
before  the  blowpipe ;  at  a  very  hig1i  heat,  the  thin  edges 
become  rounded  and  form  a  colorless  spongy  looking  scoria. 
—  Eaclase  yields  slightly  to  the  ]>lov\^pipe  ;  whitens  and  at 
a  very  high  heat  takes  on  a  white  enamel. — Phenacite  is 
transparent  and  alterable  before  the  blowpipe.^^ — Zircon 
loses  its  color  (whicli  is  from  yellow  to  cinnamon  bi-own) 
when  highly  heated;  11=7.5. — Topaz^  the  yellow  varie- 
ties become  red   if  subjected   to   tlse   blowpipe  flame,  but 


152  Th3-:     Blowpii'K. 

only  after  cooling  ;  if  boric  acid  be  fused  on  a  platinum 
wire  -until  the  green  color  disappears,  and  then  topaz  in 
powder  be  added,  the  green  coloration  reappears  in  the 
flame. — Andalusite  gives  the  alumina  reaction  with  cobalt. 
—  Uwaroicite  becomes  greenish  black  before  the  blowpipe, 
but  becomes  lighter  green  again  when  cold ;  gives  a  green 
bead  with  borax  ; — Quartz,  vitreous  lustre  :  H=7. 


IX.     MINERALS  WHICH  BELONG  TO  NEITHEE 
OF  THE  PRECEDING  CLASSES. 

Tungstite  (tungstic  oxide) — Scheelite  (calcium  tung- 
stite) — Cassiterite  (tin  oxide) — Rutile- — Anatase  and 
Brookite  (titanium  oxides) — Escbynite  (titanivim.,  zirconi  • 
um,  calcium  and  cerium  oxides) — Perofskite  (calcium  tita- 
nate) — Pyrochlore  (calcium,  cerium  and  niobium  oxides 
with  sodium  fluoride) — Xenotime  (yttrium  phosphate) — 
Spinel  (magnesium  and  aluminum  oxides) — Gahnite  (zinc, 
iron  and  aluminum  oxides) — Wolfram  (iron  and  manga- 
nese tungstate) — Corundum  and  Diaspore  (aluminum  ox- 
ides)— Yttrotantalite  (tantalum,  yttrium  and  calcium  ox- 
ides)— ^Euxenite  (titanium,  yttrium,  uranium  and  cerium 
oxides) — Polymignite  (titanium,  zirconium,  yttrium,  iron 
and  cerium  oxides) — Chrysoberyl  (glucinum  and  alumi- 
num oxides) — Polycrase  (niobium,  titanium,  zirconium, 
cerium,  yttrium  and  iron  oxides) — Klaprothine  (magne- 
sium and  aluminum  phosphates) — Columbite  (manganese 
and  iron  niobate) — Osiridium — Graphite — Diamond. 

The  microcosmic  salt  bead  presents  the  reaction  of 
tungsten  ;  Tungstite,  soft,  has  a  silky  lustre,  a  yellow 
color,  and  blackens  before  the   blowpipe. — Scheelite  fuses 


The     Blowpipe.  153 

with  difficulty;  it  is  decomposed  by  hydrochloric  acid, 
leaving  a  yellow  residue  ;  color,  white,  yellow  or  brown; 
streak,  white  ;  H=4.5. —  'Wolfram  fuses  with  difficulty  to 
a  magnetic  globule  covered  with  crystals ;  dissolves  in  hy- 
drochloric acid  leaving  a  yellow  residue  ;  the  borax  bead 
exhibits  the  manganese  reaction ;  streak  brown  or  black; 
H=5.o. 

The  microcosmic  salt  bead  exhibits  the  titanium  reac- 
tion ;  Anatase,  infusible ;  color  indigo  blue  to  black ; 
streak,  gray ;  H=5.5. — Riitile,  infusible  ;  brownish  red 
color ;  yellow  streak  ;  H=6.5. — BrooTcite^  like  anatase  ; 
crystallizes  in  the  rhombic  system. — Eschyyiite,  infusible  ; 
intumesces  somewhat  and  turns  yellow;  streak,  yellowish 
brown  ; — Perofskite,  infusible  j  streak  grayish  white. 

JEuxenite,  infusible  ;  greasy  lustre  ;  dark  brown  color ; 
streak,  brownish  red  ;  H=6.5. — Folymignite^  infusible ; 
metallic  lustre  ;  iron  black  color  ;  dark  brown  streak ;  H= 
6.5. — Polycrase  decrepitates  but  is  infusible  ;  changes  by 
calcination  to  a  brownish  gray  mass ;  is  dissolved  by  sul- 
phuric acid. 

Cassiterite  gives  if  heated  with  sodium  carbonate  on 
charcoal  little  flakes  of  tin  ;.  adamantine  lustre ;  streak 
clear  brown  ;  H=6.o. 

Pyrochlore  becomes  gray  before  the  blowpipe  ;  the 
borax  bead  is  reddish  yellow  in  the  oxidation  flame,  and 
deep  red  in  the  reduction  flame  ;  streak,  gray  ;  H=5.5. 

JCenotime,  infusible;  transparent;  greasy  lustre;  brown 
color;  streak  varying  from  yellow  to  rose  color  ;  H=4.5. 

Spinel^  infusible ;  crystallizes  in  regular  octohedrons  ; 
readily  soluble  in  microcosmic  salt  bead ;  H=8. 

Gahnite  does  not  dissolve  in  microcosmic  salt ;  other- 
wise is  like  spinel. 

Corundum^  infusible  and  insoluble. 

Piasporej  infusible  ;  decrepitates  violently  in  the  glass 


154  T  JI  K       ] )  L  ( )  W  J*  [  P  K. 

tube,  and  rccluces  to  little  white  Hakes  ;  yields  water  a  lit- 
tle below  red  heat;  has  a  brownish  red  color;  11=5.5. 

Yttrotcmtalite,  infusible ;  gives  off  water  in  the  glass 
tube  which  affords  an  acid  reaction,  by  reason  of  the  pres- 
ence of  fluohydric  acid. 

Clirysoheryl^  infusible  ;  insoluble  in  acids  ;  transparent  ; 
greenish  color  ;  H=S.o. 

Klaprothine^  infusible;  is  not  attacked  by  acids  unless 
jDreviously  calcined,  when  it  may  be  to  a  great  extent  dis- 
solved; streak  white;  11=5.5. 

Columhite,  infusible  ;  insoluble  in  acids ;  metallic  lus- 
tre; streak  reddish  brown  to  black;  11=6. 

Oslridium  ;  unalterable  before  the  blowpipe  ;  calcined 
with  nitre  in  the  glass  tube  it  yields  the  odor  characteris- 
tic of  osmium ;  H=7. 

Graphite  burns  before  the  blowpipe  ;  H=2, 

Diamond  ;  H=10. 


appendix; 


(a.)  Method  of  dlstinguisldng  tlie  red  flcane  of  Litliia 
from  that  of  Strontia, — It  has  been  long  known  that  the 
crimson  coloration  imparted  to  the  blow-pipe  flame  by 
strontia,  is  destroyed  by  the  presence  of  baryta.  The  latter 
snbstance,  hoY/ever,  as  first  indicated  by  the  writer,  does 
not  affect  the  crimson  flame-coloration  produced  by  lithia. 
Hence,  to  distinguish  the  two  flames,  the  test-substance 
may  be  fused  with  2  or  3  volumes  of  chloride  of  barium,  in 
a  loop  of  platinum  wire,  the  fused  mass  being  kept  just 
v/ithin  the  point  or  edge  of  the  blue  cone.  If  the  original 
flame-coloration  proceeded  from  strontia  (or  lime),  an  im- 
pure brownish  yellow  tinge  will  be  imparted  to  the  flame- 
border  ;  but  if  the  original  red  color  were  caused  by  lithia, 
it  will  not  only  remain  undestroyed,  but  its  intensity  will 
be  much  increased. 

This  test  may  be  applied,  amongst  other  bodies,  to  the 
natural  silicates,  Lepidolite,  Spodumene,  &c.  It  is  equally 
ayailable,  also,  in  the  examination  of  phosphates.  The 
mineral  Tryphylline,  for  example,  when  treated  ^;er  se,  im- 
parts a  green  tint  to  the  j)oint  of  the  flame,  owing  to  the 
presence  of  phosphoric  acid ;  but  if  this  mineral  be  fused 
(in  powder)  with  chloride  of  barium,  a  beautiful  crimson 
coloration  in  the  surrounding  flame-border  is  at  once  pro- 
duced. 

*  The  articles  in  the  Appendix  from  a  to  i,  inclusive,  arc  taken,  with  slight  alter- 
fctions,  from  some  pnt>lishc(l  notes  of  Prof.  Ciiapmax,  of  Toronto.  Article  j  originated 
with  Mr.  liANpAUBR. 


lo6  Appendix. 

(b.)  Reaction  of  Manganese  Salts  on  Baryta. — AVhen 
moistened  with  a  solution  of  any  manganese  salt,  and  ignit- 
ed in  an  oxidizing  flame,  baryta  and  baryta  compounds, 
generally  assume,  on  cooling,  a  blue  or  greenish-blue  color. 
This  arises  from  the  formation  of  a  manganate  of  baryta. 
Strontia  and  other  bodies  (apart  from  the  alkalies),  when 
treated  in  this  manner,  become  brown  or  dark  grey.  A 
mixture  of  baryta  and  strontia  also  assumes  an  indefinite 
gi'eyish-brown  color.  If  some  oxide  of  manganese  be  fused 
Avith  carbonate  of  soda,  so  as  to  produce  a  greenish-blue 
bead,  or  ^'  turquoise  enamel,"  and  some  baryta  or  a  baryta 
salt  be  melted  into  this,  the  color  of  the  bead  will  remain 
unchanged;  but  if  strontia  be  used  in  place  of  baryta,  a 
brown  or  greyish-brow^n  enamel  is  j)roduced. 

Note. — Some  examples  of  Witherite,  Barytine,  and  Baryto-calcite, 
contain  traces  of  oxide  of  manganese.  Theso,  after  strong  ignition, 
often  assume  per  se  a  pale  greenisli-bliie  color. 

{c.)  Detection  of  Baryta  in  the  2:)resence  of  Strontia. — This 
test  is  chiefly  applicable  to  the  detection  of  baryta  in  the 
natural  sulphate  of  strontia ;  but  it  answers  equally  for  the 
examination  of  chemical  precipitates,  &c.,  in  which  baryta 
and  strontia  may  be  present  together.  The  test-matter,  in 
fine  powder,  is  to  be  melted  in  a  platinum  spoon,  with  3  or 
4  Yolumes  of  chloride  of  calcium,  and  the  fused  mass  treated 
with  boiling  water.  For  this  purpose,  the  spoon  may  be 
dropped  into  a  test-tube,  or  placed  (bottom  upwards)  in  a 
small  porcelain  capsule.  The  clear  solution,  decanted  from 
any  residue  that  may  remain,  is  then  to  be  diluted  with  8 
or  10  times  its  Yolume  of  water,  and  tested  with  a  few  drops 
of  chromate  (or  bi-chromate)  of  potash.  A  precipitate,  or 
turbidity,  indicates  the  presence  of  baryta. 

{cL)  Actioji  of  Baryta  on  Titanic  Acid. — Fused  with 
borax  in  a  reducing  flame,  titanic  acid  forms  a  dark  arae- 


The     Blowpipe.  157 

thys tine-blue  glass,  wliich  becomes  light  blue  and  opaque 
when  subjected  to  the  flaming  process.  The  amethystine 
color  arises  from  the  presence  of  Ti'O^ :  the  light-blue  en- 
amelled surface  from  the  precipitation  of  a  certain  portion 
of  TiOl  The  presence  of  baryta,  even  in  comparatively 
small  quantity,  quite  destroys  the  latter  reaction.  "When 
exposed  to  an  intermittent  flame,  the  glass  (on  the  addition 
of  baryta)  remains  dark-blue,  no  precipitation  of  titanic 
acid  taking  place.  Strontia  acts  in  the  same  manner,  but  a 
much  larger  quantity  is  required  to  produce  the  reaction. 

(e.)  Detection  of  Oxide  of  Manganese  when  present  in 
minute  quantity  in  mineral  hodies. — The  process  on  page 
134  may  be  varied  to  advantage,  as  follows,  viz. : — Dissolve 
the  assay  in  a  borax  or  microcosmic  salt  bead,  and  then 
treat  the  fused  mass  with  carbonate  of  soda  in  excess.  If 
there  be  a  trace  of  manganese  present,  the  bead  will  assume 
the  turquoise-enamel  appearance,  which  arises  from  the 
formation  of  manganate  of  soda. 

(/.)  Method  of  distinguishing  the  Protoxide  of  Iron  (FeO) 
from  the  Sesquioxide  {Fe^O^)  in  Silicates  and  other  com- 
pounds.— This  test  serves  to  indicate,  with  great  certainty, 
the  presence  or  absence  of  FeO  in  bodies  generally.  It  is 
performed  as  follows : — A  small  quantity  of  black  oxide  of 
copper  (CuO)  is  dissolved  in  a  bead  of  borax  on  platinum 
wire,  so  as  to  form  a  glass  which  exhibits,  on  cooling,  a  de- 
cided blue  color,  but  which  remains  transparent.  To  this, 
the  test-substance  in  the  form  of  powder  is  added,  and  the 
whole  is  exposed  for  a  few  seconds,  or  until  the  test-matter 
begins  to  dissolve,  to  the  point  of  the  blue  flame.  If  the 
substance  contain  Fe'^0^  only,  the  glass,  on  cooling,  will  re- 
main transparent,  and  will  exhibit  a  bluish-green  color.  On 
the  other  hand,  if  the  test-substance  contain  FeO,  this  will 
become  at  once  converted  into  Fe^O^  at  the  expense  of  some 


iao  A  P  P  E  X  D  I  X . 

of  the  oxygen  of  the  copper  compound ;  and  opaque  red 
streaks  and  spots  of  Cu'O  will  appear  in  the  glass,  as  the 
latter  cools. 

{[/.)  Defection  of  minute  traces  of  Copjjer  in  Iron  Pyrites 
and  other  dodies. — Although  an  exceedingly  small  percen> 
age  of  co23per  may  be  detected  in  blowpipe  experiments,  by 
the  reducing  process,  as  well  as  by  the  azure-blue  coloration 
of  the  flame  when  the  test-matter  is  moistened  with  chlo- 
rhydic  acid,  these  methods  fail,  in  certain  extreme  cases,  to 
give  satisfactory  results.  It  often  happens,  that  veins  of 
iron  pyrites  lead,  at  greater  depths,  to  copper  p3'rites.  In 
this  case,  according  to  the  experience  of  the  writer,  the  iron 
pyrites  will,  almost  invariably,  hold  minute  traces  of  cop- 
per. Hence  the  desirability,  on  exploring  expeditions  more 
especially,  of  some  ready  test,  by  which,  without  the  neces- 
sity of  employing  acids  or  other  bulky  and  difficultly  port- 
able reagents,  these  traces  of  copper  may  be  detected.  The 
following  simple  method  will  be  found  to  answer  the  pur- 
pose : — The  test-substance,  in  powder,  must  first  be  roasted 
on  charcoal,  or,  better,  on  a  fragment  of  porcelain,  in  order 
to  drive  off  the  sulphur.  A  small  portion  of  the  roasted 
ore  is  then  to  be  fused  on  platinum  wire  with  phosphor-salt ; 
and  some  bisulphate  of  potash  is  to  be  added  to  the  glass 
(v/ithout  this  being  removed  from  the  wire)  in  two  or  three 
successive  portions,  or  until  the  glass  becomes  more  or  less 
saturated.  This  effected,  the  bead  is  to  be  shaken  off  the 
platinum  loop  into  a  small  capsule,  and  treated  with  boiling 
Avater,  by  vrhich  either  the  whole  or  greater  part  will  be  dis- 
solved; and  the  solution  is  finally  to  be  tested  with  a  small 
fragment  of  ferrocyanide  of  potassium  ("yellow  prussiate.") 
If  copper  be  present  in  more  than  traces,  this  reagent,  it  is 
well  kno7vm,  will  produce  a  deep-red  precipitate.  If  the 
copper  be  present  in  smaller  quantity,  that  is,  in  exceedingly 


The     jJLO>f?ix'E.  liI9 

minute  traces,  the  precipitate  will  be  brown  or  brownish - 
black ;  and  if  copper  be  entirely  absent,  the  precipitate  will 
be  blue  or  green — assuming,  of  course,  that  iron  pyrites  or 
some  other  ferruginous  substance  is  operated  upon.  In 
this  experiment,  the  preliminary  fusion  with  phosphor-salt 
greatly  facilitates  the  after  solution  of  the  substance  in  bi- 
sulphate  of  potash.  In  some  instances,  indeed,  no  solution 
takes  place  if  this  preliminary  treatment  with  phosphor- 
salt  be  omitted. 

(Ji.)  Detection  of  Lead  in  tlie  presence  of  Bismutli. — When 
lead  and  bismuth  are  present  together,  the  latter  metal 
may  be  readily  detected  by  its  known  reaction  with  phos- 
phor-salt in  a  reducing-flame — antimony,  if  present,  being 
first  eliminated ;  but  the  presence  of  lead  is  less  easily  as- 
certained. If  the  latter  metal  be  present  in  large  quantity, 
it  is  true,  the  metallic  globule  will  be  more  or  less  malleable, 
and  the  flame-border  will  assume  a  clear  blue  color  when 
made  to  play  upon  its  surface,  or  on  the  sublimate  of  lead- 
oxide  as  produced  on  charcoal ;  but  in  other  cases,  this  re- 
action becomes  exceedingly  indefinite.  The  presence  of 
lead  may  be  detected,  however,  by  the  following  plan,  based 
on  the  known  reduction  and  precipitation  of  salts  of  bis- 
muth by  metallic  lead :  a  method  which  succeeds  perfectly 
with  brittle  alloys  containing  85-90  per  cent,  of  bismuth. 
A  small  crystal  or  fragment  of  nitrate  of  bismuth  is  placed 
in  a  porcelain  capsule,  and  moistened  with  a  few  drops  of 
water,  the  greater  part  of  which  is  afterwards  poured  off; 
and  the  metallic  globule  of  the  mixed  metals,  as  obtained 
by  the  blowpipe,  haying  been  slightly  flattened  on  the  anyil 
until  it  begins  to  crack  at  the  sides,  is  then  placed  in  the 
midst  of  the  sub-salt  of  bismuth  formed  by  the  action  of 
the  water.  In  the  course  of  a  minute,  or  eyen  less,  accord- 
ing to  the  amount  of  lead  that  may  be  present,  an  arbores- 


160  A  p  r  E  X  D  I  X  . 

cent  crystallization  of  motallic   Ijismuili    will   he   formed 
around  the  globule. 

This  reaction  is  not  effected  by  cojiper ;  but  a  precipita- 
tion of  bismuth  would  ensue,  in  the  absence  of  lead,  if  either 
zinc  or  iron  were  pres3nt.  These  metals,  however,  may  be 
eliminated  from  the  test-globule,  by  exposing  this  on  char- 
coal for  some  minutes,  with  a  mixture  of  carb-soda  and 
borax,  to  a  reducing-flame.  The  zinc  becomes  volatilized, 
and  the  iron  is  gradually  taken  up  by  the  borax.  If  a  sin- 
gle operation  does  not  effect  this,  the  globule  must  be  re- 
moved from  the  saturated  dark  green  glass,  and  treated  witli 
farther  portions  of  the  mixture,  until  the  resulting  glass  be 
no  longer  colored. 

(i.)  Detection  of  Antiinomj  in  Tule-SuUlmates. — In  the 
examination  of  mineral  bodies  for  antimony,  the  test-sub- 
stance is  often  roasted  in  an  open  tube  for  the  production 
of  a  white  sublimate.  The  presence  of  antimony  in  this 
sublimate  may  be  detected  by  the  following  process — a 
method  more  especially  available  when  the  operator  has  only 
a  portable  blowpipe  case  at  his  command : — The  portion  of 
the  tube  to  which  the  chief  portion  of  the  sublimate  is  at- 
tached is  to  be  cut  off  by  a  triangular  file,  and  dropped  into 
a  test-tube  containing  some  tartaric  acid  dissolved  in  water. 
This  being  warmed  or  gently  boiled,  a  part,  at  least,  of  the 
sublimate  will  be  dissolved.  Some  bisulphate  of  potash — 
either  alone,  or  mixed  with  some  carb-soda  and  a  little 
borax,  the  latter  to  prevent  absorption. — is  then  to  be  fused 
on  charcoal  in  a  reducing-flame ;  and  the  alkaline  sulphide 
thus  produced  is  to  be  removed  by  the  point  of  the  knife- 
blade,  and  placed  in  a  small  porcelain  capsule.  The  hepatic 
mass  is  most  easily  separated  from  the  charcoal  by  remov- 
ing it  before  it  has  time  to  solidify.  Some  of  the  tartaric 
acid  solution  is  then  to  be  dropped  upon  it,  when  the  well- 


The    Blowpipe.  161 

known   orange-colored  precipitate   of   SbS'  Avill    at  once 
result. 

In  performing  this  test,  it  is  as  well  to  employ  a  some- 
what large  fragment  of  the  test-substance,  so  as  to  obtain  a 
thick  deposit  in  the  tube.  It  is  advisable,  also,  to  hold  the 
tube  in  not  too  inclined  a  position,  in  order  to  let  but  a 
moderate  current  of  air  pass  through  it ;  and  care  must  be 
taken  not  to  expose  the  sublimate  to  the  action  of  the  flame 
— otherwise  it  might  be  converted  almost  wholly  into  a 
compound  of  SbO'  and  SbO^,  the  greater  part  of  which 
would  remain  undissolved  in  the  tartaric  acid  solution.  A 
sublimate  of  arsenious  acid,  treated  in  this  manner,  would, 
of  course,  yield  a  yellow  precipitate,  easily  distinguished  by 
its  color,  however,  from  the  deep  orange  antimonial  sul- 
phide. The  crystalline  character,  etc.,  of  this  sublimate, 
would  also  effectually  prevent  any  chance  of  misconception. 

(j.)  Chlorctte  of  Potassa  as  a  Reagent. — The  action  of 
this  salt  is,  of  course,  that  of  energetic  oxidation,  caused 
by  the  evolution  of  oxygen  at  a  high  temperature. 

The  detection  of  the  oxides  of  the  metals  below,  is  readily 
effected  by  the  following  means : — In  a  tube  15  centimeters 
long,  and  5  millimeters  in  diameters,  closed  at  one  end, 
place  the  test-substance,  together  with  a  small  quantity  of 
the  chlorate ;  apply  heat  gradually,  at  first  without,  and 
then  with,  help  of  the  blowpipe,  until  no  more  oxygen  is 
given  off.  The  reaction  is  then  completed,  and  the  color 
of  the  test  is  to  be  examined. 


Flesh  color             indicates  presence 

of  Iron.    . 

YeUowish-brown, 

" 

Lead, 

Black,  or  grayisli-black,      " 

ct 

Copper. 

Blue  to  black, 

" 

Cobalt. 

Purple, 

(( 

Manganese. 

Black, 

t< 

Nickel. 

-l-^^2  Appendix. 

(L)  iXDiu:\r. 

This  metal  was  discoYered  iu  1863,  by  Professor  Eicliter, 
at  Freiburg,  Saxon3^  It  is  found,  in  very  small  quantities, 
in  the  black  sulphide  of  zinc  of  the  Freiburg  mines. 

The  metal  is  nearly  the  color  of  aluminum,  soft,  ductile, 
and  has  a  specific  gravity  of  7.14. 

OXIDE   OF   IX'DIUM 

UjJO/i  Charcoal — Under  the  oxidizing  flame  becomes, 
while  hot,  dark  yellow,  and  upon  cooling,  light  yellow. 

Under  the  reducing  flame  it  is  gradually  reduced.  The 
reduced  metal  is  volatile,  and  deposits  a  coating  upon  the 
the  coal ;  the  outer  flame  is,  at  the  same  time,  tinged  with 
violet. 

In  Borax  Bead. — Under  the  oxidizing  flame,  dissolves  to 
a  faintly-colored  yellow  bead,  which  becomes  colorless  upon 
cooling ;  and  if  great  quantities  of  the  assay  be  added,  be- 
comes opaque. 

Under  the  reducing  flame,  the  glass  remains  unchanged. 
If  placed  upon  charcoal,  the  oxide  is  reduced — the  metal 
volatilizes,  and  is  again  oxidized,  and  coats  the  coal.  Not- 
withstanding the  presence  of  soda,  the  violet  color  is  per- 
ce]3tible  in  the  outer  flame. 

Treated  idtli  Soda. — In  the  oxidizing  flame,  insoluble. 

In  the  reducing  flame,  upon  coal,  the  oxide  is  reduced ; 
a  portion  is  volatilized,  and  coats  the  coal  with  oxide ;  and 
R  portion  remains  in  the  mass,  in  snipJl  white  beads. 


INDEX. 


Acerclase,  134. 
Acmite,  146. 
Aikiuite,  125. 
Albandite,  128. 
Albite,  146. 
AlJophane,  144. 

Alamina,  reactions  in  borax  bead,  78, 78. 
"        in  mic.  salt,  80,  83. 

reaction  on  charcoal,  41. 
Aluminite.  122, 123. 
Altaite,  113. 
Alunite,  122. 
Amalgam,  132. 
Amblygonite,  138. 
Ammonia,  62,  65. 
Amphibole,  146. 
Amphigene.  149. 
Analcime,  141. 
Aualcite,  143. 
AnatasCj  149. 
Andalusite,  148. 
Anglesite,  125. 
Anhydrite,  122, 
Anorthite,  149. 
Antigorite,  144. 

Antimony,  metallic,  54,  56,  6?,  64,  liO, 
117. 

oxide  Oi",genera!  reactions,  99, 
111,  118. 

oside  of,  in  borax  bead,  76,78. 

oxide  of,  in  mic.  salt,  80,  8. 
Antimoniate  of  potassa,  4i. 
Antimonochre,  111. 
Apatite,  138,  140. 
Apophylite,  143. 
Aragonite,  121. 
Arcanite,  120. 
Argyrose,  125. 

Arsenic,  general  reactions  of,  109, 112. 
reaction  in  glass  bnlb.  50. 
"■       on  charcoal.  56. 
"       in   platinum    forceps, 
62,  64. 
Arsenions  acid,  50, 103. 
Asbolite,  134. 
Atac  imite,  132. 
Augite,  145. 
Axinite,  143. 
Azwrite,  133. 

Baratocalcite,  121. 
Baryta,  as  reagent,  35. 

reaction  in  forceps,  62,  66. 

"       in  borax  bead.  76,  73. 

"       in  mic.  salt  bead,  80,  82. 
Barytite.  1?2. 
]%erzeliianite,  IIG. 
Bieberite.  'i'27. 


Biotite,  147. 

Bismuth,  reaction  of,  in  tube,  54, 180. 
"        on  charcoal,  57. 
chloride  of,  61. 
oxide  of,  in  borax  bead,  76,  78, 

130. 
oxide  of,  in  mic.  salt  bead,  80, 82. 
oxides  of,  general  properties  of, 

sulphide  of,  60. 
Bismutite,  126,  130. 
Bismuthinite,  126. 
Blast,  method  of  producing,  16. 
Blowpipe,  construction  of,  12. 

use  of,  9. 
Blende,  128. 
Boraic  acid,  as  reagent.  4^^. 

reactions  of,  62,  65,  1.37. 
Bornlte,  125,  12  *. 
Boracite,  122,  138. 
Borocalcite,  122. 
Borax,  119. 

Borax  beads,  reactions,  76,  78. 
Botryogen,  124. 
Eoulangerite,  117. 
Bournonite,  116. 
Boussiugaltite,  119. 
Brnunite,  133. 
Breithauptite,  117. 
Brewsterite,  143. 
Brochantite,  127. 
Bromide  of  copper,  62,  04. 
Bromlite,  121. 
Bromyrite,  132. 
Brookite,  152. 
Brotite,  147. 
Erucite,  121, 123. 

Cacoxene,  128. 

Cadmium,  reaction  en  charcoal,  58. 

oxide  of,  leaction  in  borax 
bead, '16,  78. 

oxide    of,   reaction   in   mic. 
salt,  80,  82. 
Calc  emr,  121. 
Calomel,  111. 
Carnaltite,  119. 
Carpholite,  135. 
Cassiterite,  152. 
Castillitc,  129. 
Celestiue,  122. 
Cerargyrite,  132. 
Cerium,  oxide  of,  reaction    on   borax 

bead,  76,  78. 
oxide  of,  reaction  on  mic.  salt 

bead,  80,  82. 
Cerite,  IM. 
Chabazlte,  148. 


164 


1:< 


ChalcocUe,  125, 1J9. 
Chalcophyllite,  113. 
Chalcopyrites,  1*5,  129. 
Chalcostibite,  117. 
Charcoal,  properties  of,  24. 

as  reagcut,  55. 
Chillrenite,  135. 
Chiolite,  U3,  133. 
Chlorides,  61. 
Chlorite,  148, 150. 
Chloropal,  1-^5,  141. 
Chondrareenite,  li3. 
Choiidrodite,  144. 
Chonicrite,  148. 

Chromium,  oxide  of,  {rencral  reactions, 
102. 
reactions  in  borax  bead,  76, 

73,  140. 
reactions  in  mic.  salt  bead, 
80.82. 
Christophite,  129. 
Chrome  iron,  104. 
Chrysoberyl,  152. 
Chrysocolla,  133. 
Chrysolite,  145. 
Cimolite,  150. 
Cinnabar,  111. 
Clausthalite,  115. 
Cobalt,  oxide,  reaction  cf,  83. 

"  •'  in  borax  bead, 

76.  78. 
oxide,  reaction  cf,  in  mic.  salt 

bead,  80,  82. 
nitrate  of,  as  reagent,  40. 
glance,  112. 
Collvrite,  144. 
Cohimbite,  135,  150. 
Copper,  132. 

oxide  of,  as  reagent,  41. 

"       reaction  in  borax  bead, 
76,  78.  94. 
oxide  of,  reaction  in  mic.  salt 

bead,  80.  82,  94. 
bromide  of.  62,  64. 
chloride  of,  62. 
pyrites,  125. 
Coprapite,  125. 
Coquimbite,  125. 
Correlite,  125,  129. 
Corundum,  152. 
Costillite,  126. 
Cotunnite.  111. 
Crednerite,  133. 
Crocolite,  131. 
Cryolite,  123,  138. 
Cuprite.  132. 
Cuproplumbite.  125. 
Cyanite,  15J. 

Danburite,  145. 
Datho  ite,  141. 
Dechenite,  ISl. 
Diaclasite,  1-14. 
Diallage,  145. 
Diamond,  152. 
Diaspore,  152. 

DidjTnium,  oxide,  react'ons  in  borax 
bead,  73,  73. 


Didmlum.    oxide,    reactions    in 
salt  bead,  80,  82. 
general  reactions,  87. 
Diopside,  145. 
Dioptase,  133. 
Disomose,  113. 
Dolomite,  121. 
Dufrenite,  13S.    . 
Dul'renoysite,  112. 
Dyserasite,  116. 

Emery,  150. 
Emerald,  150. 
Epidote,  148. 
Epsomite,  119. 
Erinite,  113. 
Erythrine,  11.3. 
Eschynite,  149. 
Euchroite,  113. 
Euclase,  1^0. 
Eudialite,  142. 
Eulytite,  130. 
Eupoiite,  142. 
Eusynchite,  131. 
Euxenite,  15J. 

Fauysite,  141. 
Fayalite,  143. 
Fischerite,  139. 
Flame,  reducing.  19. 
oxidizing,  17, 
Fluocerite,  140. 
Fluorine,  55. 
Fluor  spar,  43, 122. 
Franklinite.  124. 
Friteslebenite,  116. 

Gadolinite,  145. 
Gahnite,  137, 152. 
Galena,  125. 
Garnet,  146. 
Gaylussite,  121. 
Gehlenite,  145. 
Geocronite.  113, 116. 
Gibbsite,  139. 
Ginelinite,  lc9. 
Gismondite,  141. 
Glauberite,  122. 
Gold,  96,  134. 
GOthite,  124. 
Goslarite,  123. 
Graphite,  111.  152. 
Greenockite,  128. 
Grossulaire.  149, 
Gj-mnite,  148. 

Haidinorerite.  123. 
Harmotome.  148. 
Hauerite,  128. 
Haussmanite,  133. 
Hauvnite,  142. 
Helvite,  135. 
Hematite,  124.  125. 
Heulandite,  148. 
Hisinserite,  141. 
Humboldtilite,  143. 
Hvdroboracite,  l.b7. 
Hydromagnesite,  121. 


Index. 


165 


Hydroziucite,  137. 
Hyperstlxcne,  150. 

Idocrase,  146. 
Iodides,  61. 
lodyrite,  132. 
lolite,  150. 
Iridium,  152. 

Iron,  oxide,  reaction  of,  in  borax  bead, 
76,  78,  88. 

oxide,  reaction  of,  in  mic.    salt 
bead,  80,  82,  88. 

pyrites,  128. 

spoons,  28. 

Jamesonite,  116,  117. 
Johannite,  128. 

Kalinite,  119. 
Kaolin,  150. 
Keilhanite,  138, 149. 
Kermes,  111,  118. 
Kieserite,  122. 
Klaprothine,  15S. 
Knebelite,  149. 
Kobellite,  116. 
Kottegite,  113. 

Labradorite,  149. 
Lanarldte,  125. 
I.angite,  127. 
Lanthanite,  139. 
Lapis  lazuli,  142. 
Laumonite,  141. 
Leadhillite,  125. 
Lead,  metallic,  130. 

oxide  of,  reactions  in  open  tube, 

54, 130. 
oxide  of,  reactions  on  charcoal.  57. 

"  "         in  forceps,  62. 

chloride,  of,  61. 
oxide  of,  reaction  in  borax  bead, 

76,  78,  91. 
oxide   of,   reaction  in  mic.  salt 

bead,  80,  82,  91. 
sulphide  of,  60. 
Lepidolite,  145. 
Leucopyrite,  113. 
Libenthenite,  ISl. 

Lime,  reactions  of,  in  platinum  forceps, 
62.  69. 
reactions  of,  in  borax  bead,  70,  73. 
''  in  mic.  salt  bead,  80, 

82. 
Limonite,  124. 
Linarite.  127. 
Liroconite,  113. 

Lithia.  reactions  In  forceps,  62,  68. 
Lithomarge,  150. 
Lowsite,  119. 

Magnesia,  reactions  witli  nitrate  of  co- 
balt, 41. 
reactions  in  borax  bead,  76, 

78. 
reactions  in  mic.  salt  bead, 
80,  82. 
Magnesitc,  121,  143. 


Magnetic  iron  ore,  124. 

Malachite,' 133. 

Manganese,  oxide,  reactions  in  borax 

bead,  76,  78. 
oxide,  reactions  in  mic.  salt 

bead,  80,  82. 
Manganocalcite,  1S5. 
Marceline,  133. 
Matlockite,  130. 
Meerschaum,  144. 
Melaconite,  132. 
Melanchroite,  131. 
Mendipite,  ISO. 
Mendigite,  119. 
Mercury,  reaction  of,  in  glass  bulb,  50. 

oxide  of,  94. 
Miargyrite,  116. 
Microcosmic  salt,  39,  72. 
Milderite,  125. 
Minium,  130. 
Mirabilite,  119. 
Mispickel,  113. 
Molybdenum,  58. 
Molybdenite,  129. 

Molybdic  acid,  reaction  in  borax  bead, 
76,  78,  101. 
reaction    in    mic.    salt 
bead,  80,  82,  101. 
Molybdite.  1S8. 
Monazite,  140. 
Monradite,  144. 
Mosandrite,  148. 
Muscagnite,  111. 
Muscovite,  146. 

Nagyagite,  118. 
Natrolite,  141. 
Natron,  120. 
Naumannite,  115. 
Nemalite,  121. 
Neolite,  144. 
Mckel,  112. 

oxide  reaction  in  borax  bead, 

76,  78,  89. 
oxide  reaction  in  mic.  salt  bead, 

80,  82,  89. 
oxalate  of,  as  reagent,  43. 
Nickel  ochre,  113. 
Nice  ite,  112. 

Niobic  acid,  reaction  in  borax  bead,  78, 
98. 
reaction  in  mic.  salt  bead, 
80,  82,  89. 
Nitre,  120. 
Nitrocalcite,  120. 
Nosite,  142. 

Olivenite,  113. 
Opal,  150. 
Orpiment,  110. 
Orthoclase,  146. 
Orthite,  142. 
Osiridium.  152. 
Osmium,  168. 
Oxidizing  flame  17, 18. 

Palladium,  95. 
Panabose,  112. 


16i) 


I  X  1)  E  :■: 


Parisite,  139. 
Pectolite,  US. 
Peganite,  139. 

Pelopic  acid,  i-eaction  iu  boras  bead,  73. 
78,  99. 
reaction  in  mic.  salt  bead, 
10,  82,  99. 
P-ntlandiie,  12G. 
Peri^la-^  te,  140. 
Perofskite,  15-2. 
Phenaciie,  152. 
Phiilipsite,  141. 
Phos,2'enite,  130. 
Piiosplioric  acid,  reaction  in  furceps,  62, 

67. 
Piedmontite,  135. 
Piermerite,  119. 
Pitiicite,  113. 
Pissopliarcite,  128. 
Plagiouite,  116. 
Platinum,  forceps,  27,  61. 
oxide  of,  95. 
ppoon.  27. 
wire.  26. 
Piattuerite,  130. 
Polybasite,  112,  llo. 
PolVcrase.  152. 
Polybalite,  122. 
Polymignite,  152. 
Potassa,  reaction  of,  in  foiTeps,  62, 63,  69. 

autimoniate  of,  as  reagent,  17. 

nitrate  of.  as  reagent,  37. 

oxalate  of,  as  reagent,  36. 
Potassitim,  cyanide  of,  3-J. 
Preiinite,  148". 
Psatui-ose,  116. 
Pseiido-malacbite,  13^. 
Psilomelane,  134. 
Pyi-argaryrite,  113,  116,  117. 
Pyrites,  128. 
Pyrochlore,  152. 
P'.rocriroite,  135. 
Pyrolusite,  134. 
Pyromorphite,  130. 
Pyrophylite,  150. 
Pyrosclerite,  148. 
Pyrrbotine,  123. 

Quartz,  150. 

Sammebergite,  113. 
Eeagents,  general,  'di. 
special,  43. 
Rbodchro^ite,  1-35. 
Rhod  um,  oxkle  of,  95. 
Rhodonite,  135. 
Eiioidolire.  150. 
Rock  pair,  liO. 
Romeite,  117. 
Rathenium,  oxide  of,  98. 
Ratine,  152. 

Sal  ammoniac,  111. 
Sa-soiite,  137. 
ficheelit-.  1.52 
Sclerve':a.?e,  112. 
Scolecire,  141. 
Scorodile.  113. 


Selenium,  110. 

reacriou3  of,  iu  glass  bulb,  49. 
in  open  tube,  54. 
"  on  charcoal,  .56. 

'■  in  platinum,  for- 

ceps, Gi,  61. 
Selenite,  122. 
Selensnlpbur,  100. 
Senermoutite,  111. 
Serpentine.  144. 
Siderite,  124. 
Silica,  as  reagent,  4?. 

reactions  of,  in  borax  bead,  76, 

78. 
reactions  in  mic.  salt  bead,  80, 
.      82. 
Silver,  i-eaction  of,  on  charcoal,  59. 
foil,  44. 
oxide  of,  reactions  of,  in  borax 

bead.  76,  78,  95. 
oxide  of.  reactions  of,  in  mic.  salt 
bead,  80,  82,  95,  132. 
Smai;iiie,  112. 
Smithsonite,  121.  137. 
Soda,  62,  68. 

carbonate  of.  1G3,  110. 
formiate  of,  51. 
Soda  nitre,  120. 
Sodalite.  14 '. 

Sodium,  nitroprusside  of,  44. 
Spesspartite,  1:^5. 
Sphene,  149. 
Spinel,  152. 
Sijodumene,  145. 
Stannite,  129. 
Staurolite,  143. 
Stibine.  Ill,  117. 
Stiblite,  111,  118. 
Stilbite.  148. 
Stoizite,  ISO. 
Stromeyerite,  125. 
Stront-a,  62,  68. 
Strontianite,  121. 
Sulphur,  44,  109. 
Sylvanite,  119. 
Sylvine,  111. 
Symplesiie,  11?. 

Tacbv'itc,  149. 

Taic.^1.50. 

Tantalic  acid,  rerTction  in  borax  bead, 

76,  78,  97. 
reac.ion    iu    mic.    salt, 
8J,  82,  97. 
Tant-:2lite,  135 

Telluric  acid,  reactions  in  fiame,  C5.  67. 
"  borax    bead, 

7>'\  78. 
reactions  in  mic.  salt  bead, 
80.  82. 
Tclluiiam,  I'^O.  118 

reactions  of.  in  Uibe.  5^1. 
'■  en  cha  coal.  56. 

in  forcen-s  62, 68. 
Tellu"0!i^  acil.  1G2, 
■J  epiiroire,  13.5. 
Tost  nrrpe  s^.  4?. 
Tctradvinitc,  113,  1,C5. 


I  !>"  D  E  X  . 


167 


Tetraheclrite,  IIG. 
Theuardite,  120. 
Ttiomsonite,  141. 
Thorite,  144. 
Tliormonatrite,  119. 
Thrombolite,  132. 
Tiemaunite,  111,  113. 
Tin,  41,58. 

OS  1(13  of,  reactions  in  borax  bead, 

76,  78,  92. 
oxide  of,  reactions  in  mic.  salt  bead, 

80,  82,  92. 
oxide  of,  reactions  witli  nitrate  of 
cobalt,  41. 
Titanic  acid,  reactions  of,  iu  borax  bead, 
76,  78,  98. 
reactions  of,  in  mic.  salt 
bead,  80,  82,  95. 
Titanite,  149. 
Tobernite,  137. 
Topaz,  149. 
Tourmaline,  146. 
Tremolite,  146.    • 
Triphylite,  135. 
Triplite,  135. 
Trcna,  119. 
Tschetikinite,  142. 
Tschermignite,  119. 

Tungstic  acid,  reactions  in  borax  bead, 
76,  78,  100. 
reactions   in   mic.    salt 
bead,  80,  82,  100. 
Tungstite,  153. 
Turquoise.  139. 
Tyrolite,  114. 

XJlmanite,  117. 
Uraninite,  140. 
Uranium,  oxide  of,  renctions  iu  borax 

bead,  76,  78,  93,  139. 
oxide  of,  reactions  in  mic. 

salt  bead,  80,  82,  93. 
Uwarowite,  150. 


Vanadinite,  130. 

Vandaic  ac.d,  reactions  iu  borax  bead, 

76,78,  101. 
reactions  in  mic.  salt  bead, 

80,  82,  ICl. 
Vanqueilnite,  131. 
Yiviauite,  138. 
Volborthite,  133. 
Voltaile,  124. 

Wad,  1-35. 

Wagnerite,  188, 
Washing  bottle,  31. 
Water,  62. 
Waveliite,  139. 
Wernerite,  142,  149. 
Willemite,  l.i>7. 
Witherite,  120. 
Wolframite,  124.  134, 153. 
Wdlastonite,  143. 
Wuifnerite,  ISO. 

Xenotine,  152. 

Yttrotantalite,  152. 

Zaratite.  133. 
Zinc,  1;.6 

oxide  of.  reactions  in  borax  bead, 

76,-78,  90.  136. 
oxide  cf,  reactions  in  mic.  salt,  80, 

82,  90. 
oxide  of,  reactions  with  nitrate  cf 

cobalt,  41. 
cxX'le  of,  reactions  on  charcoal, 
58, 
Zincite,  133. 
Zinkeaite,  115. 
Zircon,  150. 
Zoisite,  148. 
Zorgite.  115. 
Zwieselite,  135. 


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ory or  acquire  clear  ideas  on  doubtful  points.'' — Manufacturer  and  Builder. 

"  We  hope  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  a  thorough  course  of  study  and 
education  as  such  shall  be  demanded  of  the  practising  engineer,  and  with  this 
view  we  are  glad  to  welcome  this  translation  to  our  tongue  and  shores  of  one 
of  the  most  able  of  tho  educators  of  Europe." — T7ic  Technologist. 


2  ^CIE2^TIFIC  JSOOKS  PUBLIi^HEJj  BY 

Francis'  LoT\^eil  Hydraulics. 

Third  Edit  ion, 

4t.o.     Clotli.     $15.00. 

LOWELL  HYDEAULIC  EXPEEIMEXTS  —  being  a  Selec- 
tion from  Experiments  on  Hydraulic  Motors,  on  thc'  Flow  of 
Water  over  Weirs,  and  in  Open  Canals  of  Uniform  Eectangular 
Section,  made  at  Lowell,  Mass.  By  J .  B.  Eiiai>-cis,  Civil  Engineer. 
Third  edition,  revised  and  enlarged,  including  many  New  Ex- 
periments on  Gauging  Water  in  Open  Canals,  and  on  tlie  Elow 
through  Submerged  Orifices  and  Diverging  Tubes.  With  23 
copperplates,  beautifully  engraved,  and  about  100  new  pages  of 
text. 

The  "work  is  divided  iato  parts.  P.iUT  I.,  on  liydraulic  motors,  includes 
ninety-tTv^o  experiments  on  an  improved  roumeyron  Turbine  Water- Wlieel, 
of  about  two  liundred  L.orse-j>ower,  ■with  rules  and  tables  for  the  construction 
of  similar  motors ;  thirteen  expeiiments  on  a  model  of  a  centre-vent  water- 
T^heel  of  the  most  simple  design,  and  thirty-nine  experiments  on  a  centre-vent 
water-wheel  of  about  two  hundred  and  thirty  horse-power. 

Paet  IL  includes  seventy -four  experiments  made  for  the  purpose  of  deter- 
miniag'  the  form  of  the  formula  for  computiug  the  flow  of  water  over  weirs ; 
nine  experiments  on  the  effect  of  back-water  on  the  flow  over  weirs;  eighty- 
eight  experiments  made  for  the  purpose  of  determining  the  formula  for  com- 
puting the  flow  over  weirs  of  regular  or  standard  forms,  with  several  tables 
of  comparisons  of  the  new  formula  with  the  results  obtained  by  former  experi- 
menters; five  experiments  on  the  flow  over  a  dam  in  which  the  crest  was  of  the 
same  form  as  that  built  by  the  Essex  Company  across  the  Merrimack  Biver  at 
Lawrence,  Massachusetts ;  twenty -one  experiments  on  the  eflect  of  observing 
the  depths  of  water  on  a  weir  at  different  distances  from  the  weir ;  an  exten- 
sive series  of  experiments  m.ade  for  the  purpose  of  determining  rules  for 
gauging  streams  of  water  in  open  canals,  with  tables  for  facilitating  the  same ; 
and  one  hundred  and  one  experiments  on  the  discharge  of  water  through  sub- 
laerged  orifices  and  diverging  tubes,  the  whole  being  fully  illustrated  by 
twenty-three  double  plates  engraved  on  copper. 

In  1855  the  proprietors  of  the  Locks  and  Canals  on  Merrimack  Kiver  con- 
sented to  the  publication  of  the  first  edition  of  this  work,  which  contained  a 
selection  of  the  most  important  hydraulic  experiments  made  at  Lowell  up  to 
that  time.  In  this  edition  the  principal  hydraulic  experiments  made  there, 
subsequent  to  1855,  have  be^n  added,  including  the  important  series  abovo 
mentioned,  for  determining  rules  for  the  gauging  the  flow  of  water  in  open 
canals,  and  the  interesting  scries  on  the  flow  through  a,  submerged  Yenturi's 
tabe,  in  which  a  larger  flow  was  obtained  than  any  wo  find  recorded. 


I).    VAN  :s^OSTRAND. 


Francis  on  OastJron  Pillars. 

8vo.     Cloth.     $2.00. 

OM  THE  STEENGTH  OF  CAST-IEON  PILLAES,  with  Tables 
for  the  use  of  Engineers,  Architects,  and  Builders.  By  Ximes  B. 
FnAJfCis,  Civil  Engineer. 


Merriirs  Iron  Truss  Bridges, 

SecGiid  Editio'iu 
4to.     Cloth.     $5.00. 

lEON  TEUSS  BEIDGES  FOE  EAILEOADS.  The  Method  of 
Calculating  Strains  in  Trusses,  \yith  a  careful  comparison  of  tho 
most  prominent  Trusses,  in  reference  to  economy  in  combination, 
etc.,  etc.  By  Brevet  Colonel  William  E.  Meghill,  U.S.A., 
Major  Corps  of  Engineers.  Nino  lithographed  plates  of  illustra- 
tions. 

"  The  work  before  us  is  an  attempt  to  give  a  basis  for  sound  reform  in  this 
feature  of  railroad  engineering,  by  throwing  '  additional  light  upon  tho 
method  of  calculating  the  maxima  strains  that  can  come  upon  any  part  of  a 
bridge  truss,  and  upon  the  manner  of  proportioning  each  part,  so  that  it  shall 
be  as  strong  relatively  to  its  own  strains  as  any  other  part,  and  so  that  the 
entire  bridge  may  be  strong  enough  to  sustain  several  times  as  great  strains 
as  the  greatest  that  can  come  upon  it  in  actual  use.'  " — Scieniific  American. 

"  The  author  has  presented  his  views  in  a  clear  and  intelHgent  manner,  and 
the  ingenuity  displayed  in  coloring  the  figures  so  as  to  present  certain  facts 
to  the  eye  forms  no  inappreciable  part  of  tho  merits  of  the  work.  The  reduc- 
tion of  the  '  formulae  for  obtaining  the  strength,  volume,  and  weight  of  a  cast- 
iron  pillar  under  a  strain  of  compression,'  will  be  very  acceptable  to  those  who 
have  occasion  hereafter  to  make  investigations  involving  these  conditions.  As 
a  whole,  the  work  has  been  well  done.'i — Railroad  Oazeite,  Chicago, 


Humberts  Strains  in  Girders, 

18mo.     Cloth.     $2.50. 

A  HANDY  BOOK  FOE  THE  CALCULATION  OF  STEAINS 
IN  GIEDEES  and  Similar  Structures,  and  their  Strength,  con- 
sisting of  Formula)  and  Corresponding  Diagrams,  with  numerous 
details  for  practical  application.  By  Williatj:  Humder.  Fully 
illustrated. 


4  SCIEXTIFIC  BOOKS  PUBLISHED  BY 

Slireve  on  Bridges  and  Roofs. 

8vo,  87  wood-cut  illustrations.    Cloth.     $5.00. 

A    TEEATISE    OX    THE    STRENGTH    OF    BEIDGES  AXD 

HOOFS — comprising  the  determinatioii  of  Algebraic  formulas 
for  Strains  in  Horizontal,  Inclined  or  Eafter,  Triangular,  Bow- 
string, Lenticular  and  other  Trusses,  from  fixed  and  moving 
loads,  with  practical  applications  and  examples,  for  the  use  of 
Students  and  Engineers.  By  S.virirEL  H.  Sukeve,  A.M.,  Civil 
Engineer. 

"  On  the  whole,  Mr.  Slireve  has  produced  a  book  wliiclx  is  the  simplest, 
clearest,  and  at  the  same  time,  the  most  systematic  and  witli  the  best  math- 
ematical reasoning  of  any  work  liidou  the  same  subject  in  the  language." — 
Railroad  Gazette. 

"  From  the  unusually  clear  language  in  which  Mr.  Slireve  has  given  every 
statement,  the  student  will  have  but  himself  to  blame  if  he  does  uot  become 
thorough  master  of  the  subject." — London  Mining  Journal. 

"Mr.  Slireve  has  produced  a  work  that  must  alv.'ays  take  higii  rank  as  a 
tc-xt-book,  *  ^  *  and  no  Bridge  Engineer  should  be  without  it,  as  a 
valuable  work  of  reference,  and  one  that  \A\l  frequently  assist  him  out  of 
difficulties." — Franldiii  Institute  Journal. 


Tlie  Kansas  City  Bridge. 

4to.     Cloth.     $6.03 

WITH  AN  ACCOUNT  OF  THE  EEGIMEN  OF  THE  MIS- 
SOUEI  EIYEE,  and  a  description  of  the  Methods  used  for 
Founding  in  that  Eiver.  By  0.  Cuaxtjte,  Chief  Engineer,  and 
Geoege  Mohisox,  Assistant  Engineer.  Illustrated  with  five 
lithographic  views  and  twelve  plates  of  plans. 

» 
Illustrations. 

Views.— View  of  the  Kansas  City  1  tion  Vv^orks,  Pier  No.  3.   IV.  Founda- 

Bridge,  August  2,   1869.     Lowering  |  tion  Works,  Pier  No.  4,     V.  Founda- 

Caisson  No.  1  into  position.     Caisson  tion  Yv^orks,  Pier  No.  4.     VI.  Caisson 

for  Pier  No.  4  brought  into  position.  No.  5 — Sheet  Piling  at  Pier  No.  6 — 

View  of  Foundation  "Works,  Pier  No.  Details  of  Dredges — Pile  Shoe — Beton 

4.  _^Pisr  No.  1.    ^  I  Box.      VII.  Masonry— Draw  Protec- 

Plates. — I.  Map  showing  location  !  tion — False  Y/orks  between  Piers  3 

of  Bridge.     II.  Y/ater  Record— Cross  |  and    4.       VIII.     Floating    Derricks. 

Section  of  Piver — Profile  of  Crossing  \  IX.  General  Elevation — 176  feet  span. 

—Pontoon  Protection.      lil.    Y^ater  I  X.  _248  feet  span.   XL  Plans  of  DraTr. 

Dcadener — Caisson    No.    3— Pounda    !  XIl.  Strain  Diagrams. 


D.  VAN'  jS^OSTllAA^D. 


Clarke's    Quincy  Bridge, 


4to.     Cloth. 


)0. 


DESCEIPTION  OF  THE  lEON  RAILWAY  Bridge  across  the 
Mississippi  Eiver  at  Quincy,  Illinois.  Bj'Thoaias  Cuetis  Claeke, 
Chief  Engineer.  Illustrated  with  twenty-one  lithographed 
plans. 

Illustrations. 


Plates. — General  Plan  of  IVIissis- 
Bippi  River  at  Quincy,  showing  loca- 
tion of  Bridge.  II«.  General  Sections 
of  Mississippi  River  at  Quincy,  shovv^- 
ing  location  of  Bridge.  IXh.  General 
Sections  of  Mississippi  River  at  Quin- 
cy, showing  location  of  Bridge.  Ill, 
General  Sections  of  Mississippi  River 
at  Quincy,  showing  location  of  Bridge. 
IV.  Plans  of  Masonry.  V.  Diagram. 
of  Spans,  showing  the  Dimensions, 
Arrangement  of  Panels,  ecc.  VI.  Two 
hundred  and  fifty  feet  span,  and  de- 
tails. VII.  Three  hundred  and  sixty 
feet  Pivot  Draw.  VIII.  Details  of 
three  hundred  and  sixty  feet  DravN^. 
IX.  Ice- Breakers,  Foundations  of  Piers 
and  Abutments,   Y/ater   Table,   and 


Curve  of  Deflections.  X.  Founda- 
tions of  Pier  2,  in  Process  of  Con- 
struction. XI.  Foundations  of  Pier 
3,  and  its  Protection.  XII.  Founda- 
tions of  Pier  3,  in  Process  of  Construc- 
tion, and  Steam  Dredge.  XIII.  Foun- 
dations of  Piers  5  to  18,  in  Process 
of  Construction.  XIV.  False  Works, 
showing  Process  of  Handling  and  Set- 
ting Stone.  XV.  False  "Works  for 
Raising  Iron  Work  of  Superstructure, 
XVI.  Steam  Dredge  used  in  Founda- 
tions 9  to  18.  XVII.  Single  Bucket 
Dredge  used  in  Foundations  of  Bay 
Piers.  XVIII.  Saws  used  for  Cut- 
ting Piles  under  water.  XIX.  Sand 
Pump'  and  Concrete  Box.  XX,  Ma- 
sonry Travelling  Crg^e. 


Whipple  on  Bridge  Building, 

8vo,  Illustrated.     Cloth.     $4.00. 

AK  ELEMENTAEY  AND  PEACTICAL  TEEATISE  ON 
BBIDGE  BUILDING.  An  enlarged  and  improved  edition  of 
the  Author's  original  work.  By  S.  Whipple,  C.  E.,  Inventor  of 
the  Y/hipple  Bridges,  &c.  Second  Edition. 

The  design  has  been  to  develop  from  Fundamental  Principles  a  system  easy 
of  comprehension,  and  such  as  to  enable  the  attentive  reader  and  student  to 
judge  understandingly  for  himself,  as  to  the  relative  merits  of  diiferent  plans 
and  combinations,  and  to  adopt  for  use  such  as  may  be  most  suitable  for  the 
cases  he  may  have  to  deal  with. 

It  is  hoped  the  work  may  prove  an  appropriate  Text-Book  upon  the  subject 
treated  of,  for  the  Engineering  Student,  and  a  useful  manual  for  the  Practic- 
ing Engineer  and  Bridge  Builder. 


SCIJEXTIFIC  BOOKS  PUBLISHED     BY 


Stoney  on  Strains, 

N&iv  and  Mevised  Edition ^  with  numerous  illustrations. 

Royal  8vo,  GG4  pp.     Cloth.     $12.50. 

THE  THEOEY  OF  STEAINS  IN  GIEDEES  and  Similar  Struc- 
tures, with.  Observations  on  tlie  Application  of  Theory  to  Practice, 
and  Tables  of  Strength,  and  otlier  Properties  of  Materials.  By 
Blntdois-  B.  Stoxey,  B.  A. 


Roebling's  Bridges, 

Imperial  folio.     Cloth.     $25.00. 

LONG-  Al^B  SHORT  SPAN  PAIL  WAY  BPIDGES.  By  Johit 
A.  BoEBLiXG,  G.  E.  Illustrated  with  large  copperplate  engrav- 
ings of  plans  and  views. 

Bist  of  Plates 

1.  Parabolic  Truss  RailTrar  Bridge.  2,  3,  4,  5,  6.  Details  of  Parabolic 
Truss,  with  centre  span  500  feet  in  the  clear.  7.  Plan  and  View  of  a  Bridge 
over  the  Mississippi  River,  at  St.  Louis,  for  railway  and  common  travel.  8,  9, 
10,  11,  12.  Details  and  View  of  St.  Louis  Bridge.  13.  Railroad  Bridge  over 
the  Ohio. 


Diedrichs^  Theory  of  Strains. 

8vo.     Cloth.     $5.00. 

A  Compendium  for  tlie  Calculation  and  Construction  of  Bridges, 
Poofs,  and  Cranes,  with.  th.e  Application  of  Trigonometrical 
Notes.  Containing  the  most  comprehensive  information  in  re- 
gard to  the  Pesulting  Strains  for  a  permanent  Load,  as  also  for 
a  combined  (Permanent  and  Polling)  Load.  In  tvvo  sections 
adapted  to  tlie  requirements  of  the  present  time.  By  o*"ohx  Died- 
P.ICHS.     Blustrated  by  numerous  plates  and  diagrams, 

"  The  vrant  of  a  compact,  universal  and  popular  treatise  on  the  Construc- 
tion of  Roofs  and  Bridges — especially  one  treating  of  the  influence  of  a  varia- 
ble load — and  the  unsatisfactory  essays  of  different  authors  on  the  cubject, 
induced  me  to  prepare  this  work." 


1>.    VAA^  NOSTRANI). 


Whilden's  Strength  of  Materials. 

12mo.     Cloth.     82.00. 

ON  THE  STEENGTH  OF  MATEEIALS  used   ia  Engineermg 
Construction.     Bj  J.  K.  WsiLDEiT. 


Campin  on  Iron  RoofSe 

Large  8vo.     Clotli.     $2.00. 

ON  THE  CONSTEUCTION  OF  lEON  EOOFS.  A  Theoretical 
and  Practical  Treatise.  By  Fp.axci3  Ca^ipix.  AVitli  ^rood-cuts 
and  plates  of  Eoofs  lately  executed. 

*'  The  mathematical  formulas  are  of  an  elementary  kind,  and  the  process 
adm.its  of  a.n  easy  extension  so  as  to  embrace  the  prom-inent  varieties  of  iron 
truss  bridges.  The  treatise,  though  of  a  practical  scientific  character,  may  bo 
easily  mastered  by  any  one  familiiir  with  elementary  mechanics  and  plane 
trigonometry." 

Holley-s  Railway  Praotice^ 

1  vol.  folio.     Cloth.     $12.0a 

AMEEICAN  AND  EUEOPEAN  EAILWAT  PEACTICE,   in 

the  Economical  Generation  of  Steam,  including  tke  materials 
and  construction  of  Coal-burning  Boilers,  Combustion,  the  Yaria- 
ble  Blast,  Yaporization,  Circulation,  Super-heating,  Supplying 
and  Hea,ting  Feed-water,  &c.,  and  the  adaptation  of  Yv^ood  and 
Coke-burning  Engines  to  Coal-burning  ;  and  in  Permanent  Yv^ay, 
including  Eoad-bed,  Sleepers,  Eails,  Joint  Fastenings,  Street 
Eailways,  &c.,  &c.  By  Alexaxdee  L.  Holley,  B.  P.  With  77 
lithographed  plates. 

'*'  This  is  an  elaborate  treatise  by  one  of  our  ablest  civil  engineers,  on  the  con- 
struction a-nd  use  of  locomotives,  with  a  few  chapters  on  the  building  of  E-ail- 
roiids.  ^  *  ■^•"  All  these  subjects  are  treated  by  the  author,  who  is  j 
first-class  railroad  engineer,  in  both  an  intelligent  and  intelligible  manner.  Tho 
facts  and  ideas  are  well  arranged,  and  presented  ia  a  clear  and  simple  style, 
accompanied  by  beautiful  engravings,  and  Ave  presume  the  work  will  be  regard-' 
ed  as  indispensable  by  all  who  are  interested  in  a  knowledge  of  the  construc- 
tion of  railroads  and  rolling  stock,  or  the  working  of  locomotives." — Scientific 
American, 


8  SCIENTIFIC  BOOKS  FUBLISIIEIJ  BY 

Henrici's  Skeleton  Structures. 

8vo.     Cioth.     $1.50. 

.SKELETON  STEUCTUEES,  especially  in  their  Application  to 
the  building  of  Steel  and  Iron  Bridges.  By  Olaus  Heneici. 
With  folding  plates  and  diagrams. 

By  presenting-  these  general  examinations  on  Skeleton  Structures,  -w  ith 
particular  application  for  Suspended  Bridges,  to  Engineers,  I  venture  to  ex- 
press the  hope  that  they  will  receive  these  theoretical  results  with  some  confi- 
dence, even  although  an  opportunity  is  wanting  to  comi)are  them  with  practi- 
cal results.  O.  H. 


Useful  Information  for  Railway  Men. 

Pocket  form.     Morocco,  gilt,  $2.00. 

Compiled  by  W.  G.  Hamilton,  Engineer.     Eiftli    edition,  revised 
and  enlarged.     570  pages. 

*'  It  embodies  many  valuable  formulas  and  recipes  useful  for  railway  men, 
and,  indeed,  for  almost  every  class  of  persons  in  the  world.  The  'informa- 
tion '  comprises  some  valuable  formulae  and  rules  for  the  construction  of 
boilers  and  engines,  masonry,  properties  of  steel  and  iron,  and  the  strength 
of  materials  generally." — Railroad  Gazette^  Chicago. 


Brooklyn  Water  Works. 

1  vol.  folio.     Cloth.     $25.00. 

A  DESCEIPTIYE  ACCOUNT  OE  THE  CONSTEUCTION  OF 
THE  WOEKS,  and  also  Eeports  on  the  Brooklyn,  Hartford, 
Belleville,  and  Cambridge  Pumping  Engines.  Prepared  and 
printed  by  order  of  the  Board  of  Water  Commissioners.  With 
59  illustrations. 

Contents. — Supply  Ponds — The  Conduit  —  Sidgewood  Engine  House  and 
Pump  Well — Ridgewood  Engines — Eorce  Mains — Ridgewood  Eeservoir — 
Pipe  Distribution — Mount  Prospect  Eeservoir — Mount  Prospect  Engine 
House  and  Engine — Drainage  Grounds — Sewerage  Yforks^ Appendix. 


').  VAK  J^bSTIlAI^D. 


Kirkwood  on  Filtration, 

4to.     Ciotli.     $15.00. 

KEPORT  ON  THE  EILTEATION  OF  EIYEE  WATEES,  for 
tlie  Supply  of  Cities,  as  practised  in  Europe,  made  to  tlie  Board 
of  Water  Commissioners  of  the  City  of  St.  Louis.  By  James  P. 
KiKKWooD.     Illustrated  by  30  double-plate  engravings. 

Contents. — Report  on  Filtration — London  "Works,  General — Chelsea 
"Water  Works  and  Filters — Lambeth  Water  Y/orks  and  Filters — Southwark 
and  Vauxhall  Yv^ater  Works  and  Filters — Grand  Junction  Water  Works  and 
Filters — West  Middlesex  Water  Works  and  Filters — ^New  River  Y/"ater 
Works  and  Filters — East  London  Water  Works  and  Filters — Leicester  Water 
Works  and  Filters — York  Y^ater  Y/orks  and  Filters — Liverpool  Water  Works 
and  Filters — Edinburgh  Water  Y/orks  and  Filters — Dublin  Water  YT'orks 
and  Filters — Perth  Water  Y^orks  and  Filtering-  Gallery — Berlin  Y/ater 
Y/orks  and  Filters — Hamburg-  Yf  ater  Y/orks  and  Reservoirs — Altona  Y'ater 
Works  and  Filters — Tours  Water  Works  and  Filtering-  Canal — Angers  Water 
Y/'orks  and  Filtering  Galleries — ISTantes  Water  Works  and  Filters — Lyons 
Water  Y/orks  and  Filtering  Galleries — Toulouse  Water  Works  and  Filtering 
Galleries — -Marseilles  Y/ater  W^orks  and  Filters — Genoa  Water  Works  and 
Filtering  Galleries — Leghorn  Y/ater  Yv^orks  and  Cisterns — Wakefield  Water 
Works  and  Filters — Appendix. 


Tnnner  on  Roll-Turning, 

1  vol.  8vo.  and  1  vol.  plates.     $10.00. 

A  TEEATISE  ON  EOLL-TUENING  EOE  THE  MANUEAC^ 
TUEE  OF  lEON.  By  Peter  Tijnxee.  Translated  and  adapted. 
By  John  B.  Peaese,  of  the  Pennsylvania  Steel  Works.  With 
numerous  wood-cuts,  8vo.,  together  with  a  folio  atlas  of  10  litho- 
graphed plates  of  EoUs,  Measurements,  &c. 

"  We  commend  this  book  as  a  clear,  elaborate,  and  practical  treatise  upon 
the  department  of  iron  manufacturing  operations  to  -which  it  is  devoted. 
The  writer  states  in  his  preface,  that  for  twenty-fi.ve  years  he  has  felt  the 
necessity  of  such  a  work,  and  has  evidently  brought  to  its  preparation  the 
fruits  of  experience,  a  painstaking  regard  for  accuracy  of  statement,  and  a 
desire  to  furnish  information  in  a  style  readily  understood.  The  book  should 
be  in  the  hands  of  every  one  interested,  either  in  the  general  practice  of 
mechanical  engineering,  or  the  special  branch  of  manufacturing  operations  to 
which  the  work  relates.'' — American  Artisan. 


10  SCIEXTIFia  BOOKS  I'UBLISHEl)  BY 

Glynn  ov^  the  Pov7er  of  "Water. 

12ino.     Cloth.     $1.00. 

A  TEEATISE  OX  THE  POWEE,  OF  WATEE,  as  applied  to 
drive  Flour  Mills,  and  to  givo  motion  to  Turbines  and  other 
Hydrostatic  Engines.  By  Joseph  Glyxn,  F.E.  S.  Third  edition, 
revised  and  enlaro-ed,  with  numerous  illustrations. 


Hewson  on  Embankments, 

8  TO.     Cloth.     12.00. 

PEINCIPLES    AND    PEACTICE  OF  EMBANKING   LANDS 

from  Eiver  Floods,  as  applied  to  the  Levees  of  the  Mississippi. 
By  WiLLiAij:  Hewso27,  Civil  Engineer. 

"  This  is  a  valuable  treatise  on  the  principles  and  practice  of  embanking 
lands  from  river  floods,  as  applied  to  the  Levees  of  the  Mississippi,  by  a  highly 
intelhgent  and  experienced  engineer.  The  author  says  it  is  a  first  attempt 
to  reduce  to  order  and  to  rule  the  desig-n,  execution,  and  measurement  of  the 
Levees  of  the  Mississippi.  It  is  a  most  useful  and  needed  contribution  to 
scientific  literature. — PliiladdpMa  Evening  Journal. 


Griiner  on  Steel. 

8vo.  Cloth.     $3.50. 

THE  MANUFACTUEE  OF  STEEL.  By  M.  L.  Getoteh,  trans- 
lated from  the  French.  By  Lenox  Smith,  A.  M.,  E.  M.,  with  an 
appendix  on  the  Bessemer  Process  in  the  United  States,  by  the 
translator.     IllustTated  by  lithographed  drawings  and  wood-cuts. 

"  The  purpose  of  the  work  is  to  present  a  careful,  elaborate,  and  at  the 
same  time  practical  examination  into  the  physical  properties  of  steel,  as  "well 
as  a  description  of  the  ne-w  processes  and  mechanical  appliances  for  its  manufac- 
ture. ■  The  information  which  it  contains,  gathered  from  many  trustworthy 
sources,  will  be  found  of  much  value  to  the  American  steel  manufacturer, 
who  may  thus  acquaint  himself  with  the  results  of  careful  and  elaborate  ex- 
periments in  other  countries,  and  better  x^repare  himself  for  successful  com- 
petition in  this  important  industry  with  foreign  makers.  The  fact  that  this 
volume  is  from  the  pen  of  one  of  the  ablest  metallurgists  of-  the  present  day, 
cannot  fail,  we  think,  to  secure  for  it  a  favorable  consideration. — Iron  Age. 


1).  vajs''  :sfOHTRA:sri).  li 

Bauerman  on  Iron, 

12ino.  Cloth.     $2.00. 

TEEATISE  ON  THE  METALLUEGY  OF  lEON.  Contain- 
ing outlines  of  tlie  History  of  Iron  Manufacture,  methods  of 
Assay,  and  analysis  of  Iron  Ores,  processes  of  manufacture  of 
Iron  and  Steel,  etc.,  etc.  By  H.  BArEHiiAif.  Eirst  American 
edition.  Eevised  and  enlarged,  witli  an  appendix  on  the  Martin 
Process  for  making  Steel,  from  the  report  of  Abram  S.  Hewitt. 
Illustrated  with  numerous  wood  engravings. 

"  This  is  an  important  addition  to  the  stock  of  technical  works  published  in 
this  country.  It  embodies  the  latest  facts,  discoveries,  and  processes  con- 
nected with  the  manufacture  of  iron  and  steel,  and  should  be  in  the  hands  of 
every  x>erson  interested  in  the  subject,  as  "well  as  in  all  technical  and  scientific 
libraries." — Scientijio  American. 


Link  and  Yalve  Motions,  by  W.  S. 
Ancliincloss. 

8vo.  Cloth.     $3.00. 

APPLICATION  OE  THE  SLIDE  YALYE  and  Link  Motion  to 
Stationary,  Portable,  Locomotive  o.nd  Marine  Engines,  with  new 
and  simple  methods  for  proportioning  the  parts.  By  "William 
S.  AucHiiJCLoss,  Civil  and  Mechanical  Engineer.  Designed  as 
a  hand-book  for  Mechanical  Engineers,  Master  Mechanics, 
Draughtsmen  and  Students  of  Steam  Engineering.  All  dimen- 
sions of  the  valve  are  found  with  the  greatest  ease  by  means  of 
a  Printed  Scale,  and  proportions  of  the  link  determined  without 
the  assistance  of  a  model.  Illustrated  by  37  wood-cuts  and  21 
lithographic  plates,  together  with  a  copperplate  engraving  of  the 
Travel  Scale. 

All  the  matters  we  have  mentioned  are  treated  with  a  clearness  and  absence 
of  unnecessary  verbiage  -which  renders  the  work  a  peculiarly  valuable  one. 
The  Travel  Scale  only  requires  to  be  known  to  be  appreciated.  Mr.  A.  writes 
so  a,bly  on  his  subject,  we  wish  he  had  written  more.  London  En- 
gineeriiig. 

"We  have  never  opened  a  work  relating  to  steam  which  seemed  to  us  better 
calculated  to  give  an  intelligent  mind  a  clear  understanding  of  the  depart' 
ment  it  discusses. — Scientific  Ameriam. 


12  SCIENTIFIC  BOOKS  PUBLISHED  BY 

Slide  Yalve  by  Eccentrics,  by  Prof. 
C,  W.  MacGord. 

4to.     Illustrated.    Cloth,     $'4.00. 

A  PEACTICAL  TEEATISE  ON  THE  SLIDE  YALYE  BY 
ECCENTEICS,  examining  by  methods,  the  action  of  the  Eccen- 
tric upon  the  Shde  Yalve,  and  explaining  the  practical  proces- 
ses of  laying  out  the  movements,  adapting  the  valve  for  its 
various  duties  in  the  steam-engine.  Eor  the  use  of  Engineers, 
Draughtsmen,  Machinists,  and  Students  of  valve  motions  in 
general.  By  C.  "W.  MacCord,  A.  M.,  Professor  of  Mechanical 
Drawing,  Stevens'  Institute  of  Technology,  Hoboken,  N,  J. 


Stillman's  Steam-Engine  Indicator. 

12mo.  Cloth.     $1.00. 

THE  STEAM-ENGINE  INDICATOE,  and  the  Improved  Mano- 
meter Steam  and  Yacuum  Gauges ;  their  utility  and  application 
By  Paul  SiiLLiiAN.     New  edition. 


Bacon's  Steain-Engine  Indicator. 

12mo.  Cloth.     $1.00.     Mor.     $1.50. 

A  TEEATISE  ON  THE  EICHAEDS  STEAM-ENGINE  IN- 
DICATOE, with  directions  for  its  use.  By  Chables  T.  Poktep.." 
Eevised,  with  notes  and  large  additions  as  developed  by  Amer- 
ican Practice,  with  an  Appendix  containing  useful  formulse  and 
rules  for  Engineers.  By  E.  W.  Bacoit,  M.  E.,  Member  of  thn 
American  Society  of  Civil  Engineers.     Illustrated.    Second  Edition 

In  this  -work,  Mr.  Porter's  book  has  been  taken  as  the  basis,  but  Mr.  Bacon 
iias  adapted  it  to  American  Practice,  and  has  conferred  a  great  boon  on 
American  Engineers. — Artisan, 


Bartol  on  Marine  Boilers. 

8yo.  Cloth.     $1.50. 

TEEATISE  ON  THE  MARINE  BOILEES  OE  THE  UNITED 
STATES.     ByH.  B.  Baetol.     Illustrated. 


D.    VAJV  IWSTBAKD.  15 

Gillmore^s  Limes  and  Cements. 

Fourth  Edition.    Mevised  and  Enlargd. 

8vo.     Cloth.     $4.00. 

PEACTICAL  TEEATISE  ON  LIMES,  HYDEAULIO  CE- 
MENTS, AND  MOETAES.  Papers  on  Practical  Engineering, 
U.  S.  Engineer  Department,  No.  9,  containing  Eeports  of 
numerous  experiments  conducted  in  New  York  City,  during  the 
years  1858  to  1861,  inclusive.  By  Q.  A.  Gillmgee,  Brig-General 
U.  S.  Yolunteers,  and  Major  TJ.  S.  Corps  of  Engineers.  ^Yitk 
numerous  illustrations. 

*'  This  -work  contains  a  record  of  certain  experiments  and  researches  made 
under  the  authority  of  the  Engineer  Bureau  of  the  "War  Department  from 
1858  to  1861,  upon  the  various  hydraulic  cements  of  the  United  States,  and 
the  materials  for  their  manufacture.  The  experiments  were  carefully  made, 
and  are  "well  reported  and  compiled. ' — Journal  Franklin  Institute. 


Gillmore's  Coignet  Beton. 

Bvo.     Cloth.     83.50. 

COIGNET   BETON  AND  OTHEE  AETIEICIAL  STONE.     By 
Q,.  A.  GiLLMOEE.     9  Plates,  Yiews,  etc. 

This  work  describes  with  considerable  minuteness  of  detail  the  several  kinds 
of  art^cial  stone  in  most  general  use  in  Europe  and  now  beginning  to  bo 
introduced   in  the  United  States,  discusses  their  properties,  relative  merits, 

and  cost,  and  describes  the  materials  of  which  they  are  composed 

The  subject  is  one  of  special  and  growing  interest,  and  we  commend  the  work, 
embodying  as  it  does  the  matured  opinions  of  an  experienced  engineer  and 
expert. 


Williamson^s  Practical  Tables. 

4to.     Elexible  Cloth.     $2.50. 

PEACTICAL  TABLES  IN  METEOEOLOGY  AND  HYPSO- 
METEY,  in  connection  vv^ith  the  use  of  the  Barometer.  By  Col. 
K.  S,  WiLIilAMSOM,  U.  S.  A. 


U  ilCIKI^TIFIC  J:00JC^  PUjyLISJIlJT)  BY 


Williamson  on  tlie  Barometer. 

4to.  Cloth.  $15.00. 
ON  THE  USE  OF  THE  BAEOMETEE,  ON  SUEYEYS  AND 
EECONNAISSANCES.  Part  I.  Meteorology  in  its  Connec- 
tion with.  Hypsometry.  Part  11.  Parometric  Hypsomctry.  By 
E.  S.  "WiLLi.vMsox,  Pvt.  Lieut.-Col.  U.  S.  A.,  Major  Corps  of 
Engineers.  With  Illustrative  Tables  and  Engravings.  Paper 
No.  15,  Professional  Papers,  Corps  of  Engineers. 

"  San  Francisco,  Cal.,  Feh.  27,  1SG7. 
"  G-en.  A.  A.  Humphreys,  Cliief  of  Engineers,  U.  S.  Army  : 

"  General,, — I  have  tlie  lienor  to  submit  to  you,  in  the  following  pages,  the 
results  of  my  investigations  in  meteorology  and  hypsometry,  made  with  the 
view  of  ascertaining  how  far  the  barometer  can  be  used  as  a  reliable  instru- 
m.ent  for  determining  altitudes  on  extended  lines  of  survey  and  reconnais- 
sances. These  investigations  have  occupied  the  leisure  permitted  me  from  my 
professional  duties  during  the  last  ten  years,  and  I  hope  the  results  will  be 
deemed  of  sufficient  value  to  have  a  place  assigned  them  among  the  printed 
professional  papers  of  the  United  States  Corps  of  Engineers. 
"  Yery  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"R.  S.  WILLIAMSON, 
"  Bvt.  Lt.-Gol.  P.  S.  A.,  Major  Corps  of  P".  S.  Engineers." 


Yon  Cottars  Ore  Deposits. 

8vo.     Cloth.     $4.00. 
TEEATISE  ON  OEE  DEPOSITS.      By  Beenhard  Yon  Cotta, 
Professor  of  Geology  in  the  Eoyal  School  of  Mines,  Preidberg, 
Saxony.      Translated    from    the    second    German    edition^    by 
Prederick   Pri:j:e,    Jr.,    Mining  Engineer,   and  revised  by  the 
author,  with  numerous  illustrations. 
"  Prof.  Yon  Cotta  of  the  Freiberg   School  of  Mines,  is  the  author  of  the 
best  modem  treatise  on  ore  deposits,  and  we  are  heartily  glad  that  this  ad- 
mirable work  has  been  translated  and  published  in  this  country.     The  trans- 
later,  Mr.  Prederick  Prime,  Jr.,  a  graduate  of  Preiberg,  has  had  in  his  work 
the  great  advantage  of  a  revision  by  the  author  himself,  who  declares  in  a 
prefatory  note  that  this  may  be  considered  as  a  new  edition  (the  third)  of  his 
own  book. 

"  It  is  a  timely  and  welcome  contribution  to  the  literature  of  mining  in 
this  country,  and  we  are  grateful  to  the  translator  for  his  enterprise  and  good 
judgment  in  undertaking  its  preparation  ;  while  we  recognize  with  equal  cor- 
diality the  liberality  of  the  author  in  granting  both  permission  and  assist- 
ance."— Extract  from  Review  in  Engineering  and  Mining  Journal. 


]).  VAi<r  I^OSTJIA^TI). 


Plattner's  Blov7-Pipe  Analysis. 

Second  edition.     Eevised.     8vo.     Cloth.     $7.50. 

PLATTNEE'S  MANUAL  OF  QUALITATIVE  AND  QUAN^ 
TITATIYE  ANALYSIS  WITH  THE  BLOW-PIPE.  Prom 
the  last  German  editioH.  Kevised  and  enlarged.  By  Prof.  Tn. 
BiCHTEP.,  of  the  Eoyal  Saxon  Mining  Academy.  Translated  by 
Prof.  H.  B.  CoENWALL,  Assistant  in  the  Columbia  School  of 
Mines,  New  York ;  assisted  by  Jon^  H.  Caswell.  Illustrated 
with  eighty-seven  wood-cuts  and  one  Lithographic  Plate.  560 
pages. 

"  Plattner's  celebrated  -work  has  long  been  recognized  as  the  only  complete . 
book  on  Blo^-Pipe  Analysis.  The  fourth  G-erman  edition,  edited  bj  Prof . 
Bichter,  fully  sustains  the  reputation  which  the  earlier  editions  acquired  dur- 
ing the  lifetime  o£  the  author,  and  it  is  a  source  of  great  satisfaction  to  us  to 
know  that  Prof.  Eichter  has  co-operated  with  the  translator  in  issuing  the 
American  edition  of  the  work,  which  is  in  fact  a  fifth  edition  of  the  original 
work,  being  far  more  complete  than  the  last  German  edition." — SllUman^s 
Journal. 

There  is  nothing  so  complete  to  be  found  in  the  English  language.  Platt- 
ner's book  is  not  a  mere  pocket  edition  ;  it  is  i's.tended  as  a  comprehensive  guide 
to  all  that  is  at  present  known  on  the  blow-pipe,  and  as  such  is  really  indis- 
I)ensable  to  teachers  and  advanced  pupils. 

**  Mr.  Cornwall's  edition  is  something  more  than  a  translation,  as  it  contains 
many  corrections,  emendations  and  additions  not  to  be  found  in  the  original. 
It  is  a  decided  improvement  on  the  work  in  its  German  dress." — Journal  of 
Applied  Chemistry, 


Egleston's  Mineralogy, 

8vo.     Illustrated  with  34  Lithographic  Plates.     Cloth.     $4.50. 

LECTUEES  ON  DESCEIPTIYE  MINEEALOGY,  Delivered 
at  the  School  of  Mines,  Columbia  College.  Br  Phofessos  T. 
Eglestgis-. 

These  lectures  are  what  their  title  indicates,  the  lectures  on  Mineralogy 
delivered  at  the  School  of  Mines  of  Columbia  College.  They  have  beeu 
printed  for  the  students,  in  order  that  m.ore  time  might  be  given  to  the  vari- 
ous methods  of  examining  and  determining  minerals.  The  second  part  haa 
only  been  printed.  The  first  part,  comprising  crystallography  and  physical 
mineralogy,  will  be  printed  at  some  future  time. 


IG  SCIIlJ^TIFIC  books  PUBLISHEI)  bz 

Pynclioii's  Chemical  Physics, 

New  Hdltlon,.    Mevised  and  Enlarged, 


INTEODUCTIO:\^  TO  CHEMICAL  PHYSICS,  Designed  for  the 

tJse  of  Academies,  Colleg-es,  and  High.  Sckools.  Illustrated  wiIIl 
numerous  engravings,  and  containing  copious  experiments  "vv'itli 
directions  for  preparing  tliem.  By  Tno:u:AS  Kuggles  Ptxchox, 
M.A.,  Professor  of  Cliemistry  and  tho  Natural  Sciences,  Trinity 
College,  Hartford. 

Hitherto,  no  ^ork  suitable  for  (jeneral  use,  treating  of  all  these  subjects 
■mtbin  the  limits  of  a  single  voKime,  could  be  found  ;  consequently  the  atten- 
tion they  have  received  has  not  been  at  all  proportionate  to  their  importance. 
It  is  believed  that  a  hook  containing  so  much  valuable  information  within  so 
small  a  compass,  cannot  fail  to  meet  "with  a  ready  sale  among  all  intelligent 
persons,  -^vhilo  Professional  men,  Physicians,  Medical  Students,  Photograph- 
ers, Telegraphers,  Engineers,  and  Artisans  generally,  "vvill  find  it  specially 
valuable,  if  not  nearly  indispensable,  as  a  book  of  reference. 

"  We  strongly  recommend  this  able  treatise  to  our  readers  as  the  first 
■work  ever  published  on  the  subject  free  from  j)erplexing  technicalities.  In 
style  it  is  pure,  in  description  graphic,  and  its  typographical  appearance  is 
artistic.     It  is  altogether  a  most  excellent  work." — Edeciic  Medical  Journal. 

"  It  treats  fully  of  Photography,  Telegraphy,  Steam  Engines,  and  tho 
various  applications  of  Electricitj^.  In  short,  it  is  a  carefully  prepared 
volume,  abreast  with  the  latest  scientific  discoveries  and  inventions." — Mart' 
ford  Courant. 


Plympton's  Blow-Pipe  Analysis. 

12mo.     Cloth.     %\  50. 

THE  BLOW-PIPE  :  A  Guide  to  Its  Use  in  the  Determination 
of  Salts  and  Minerals.  Compiled  from  various  sources,  by 
George  W.  Pltmptox,  C.E.,  A.M.,  Professor  of  Physical 
Science  in  the  Polytechnic  Institute,  Brooklyn,  JS"".  Y. 

"  This  manual  probably  has  no  superior  in  the  English  language  as  a  text- 
book for  beginners,  or  as  a  guide  to  the  student  working  without  a  teacher. 
To  the  latter  many  illustrations  of  the  utensils  and  apparatus  required  in 
using  the  blow-pipe,  as  well  as  the  fully  illustrated  description  of  the  blow- 
pipe flame,  will  be  especially  serviceable."— iV'6z<7  York  Teacher. 


D.    VAJV  J^OSTMAI\^J).  ■  17 


Ure's  Diotionary. 

SloctJi   Edition, 

London,  1ST2. 

3  vols.     8yo.     Cloth,  $25.00.     Half  Russia,  $32.50. 

DICTIONAEY  OE  AETS,  MANUEACTUEES,  AND  MINES. 
By  Andsew  Uhe,  M.D.  Sixth,  edition.  Edited  by  Eobeet  Hunt, 
F.E.S.,  greatly  enlarged  and  rewritten. 


Brande  and  Cox'S  Dictionary, 

-Netv  Edition, 

London,  1872. 

3  vols.     Svo.     Clotii,  $20.00.     Half  Morocco,  $27.50. 

A  Dictionary  of  Science,  Literature,  and  Art.     Edited  by  W. 
Beande  and  Eev.  Geo.  W.  Cox.     New  and  enlarged  edition. 


Watt's  Dictionary  of  Chemistry. 

Sii2:>plenienta7''if  Volume, 
Svo.    Cloth.     $9.00. 

This  volume  brings  the  Record  of  Chemical  Discovery  down  to  the  end  of 
the  year  i8'39,  including-  also  several  a^dditions  to,  and  corrections  of,  former 
results  which  have  appeared  in  1870  and  1871. 

"""ji*  Complete  Sets  of  the  Work,  Nev,'  and  Revised  edition,  including  above 
supplement.     6  vols.     Svo.     Cloth.     $62.00. 


Rammelsberg's  Chemical  Analysis, 

Svo.     Cloth.     $2.25. 

GUIDE    TO    A    COUESE  OF  QUANTITATIVE   CHEMICAL 

ANALYSIS,  ESPECIALLY  OF  MINEEALS  AND  FUR- 
NACE PEODUCTS.  Illustrated  by  Examples.  By  C.  F. 
Eammelsbeeg.     Translated  by  J.  Towlee,  M.D. 

This  work  has  been  translated,  and  is  no-w  published  expressly  for  those 
students  in  chemistry  v/hoso  time  and  other  studies  in  colleges  do  not  permit 
them  to  enter  upon  the  m.ore  elaborate  a,nd  expensive  treatises  of  Preseniua 
and  others.  It  is  the  condensed  labor  of  a  master  in  chemistry  and  of  a  prac- 
tical analyst. 


IS  SCIEN'TIFIC  HOOKS  PUBLISHED  BY 

Eliot  and  Storer's  Qualitative 
Chemical  Analysis. 

l^eiv  Edition,  Mevised, 

12mo.     Illustrated.     Cloth.     $1.50. 

A  COMPENDIOUS  MANUAL  OF  QUALITATIVE  CHEMI^ 
CAL  ANALYSIS.  By  Chaeles  W.  Eliot  and  EeaxxII.  Stoileu. 
Eevised  with  the  Cooperation  of  the  Authors,  by  WiLLi.vii  Ivip- 
LEY  Nichols,  Professor  of  Chemistry  in  the  Massachusetts  Insti- 
tute of  Technology. 

"  This  Manual  has  great  merits  as  a  practical  introduction  to  the  science 
and  the  art  of  which  it  treats.  It  contains  enough  of  the  theory  and  practice 
of  qualitatlYe  analysis,  "  in  the  wet  way/'  to  bring  out  all  the  reasoning  in- 
volved in  the  science,  and  to  present  clearly  to  the  student  the  most  approved 
methods  of  the  ai-t.  It  is  specially  adapted  for  exercises  and  experiments  in 
the  laboratory;  and  yet  its  classifications  and  manner  of  treatment  are  so 
systematic  and  logical  throughout,  as  to  adapt  it  in  a  high  degree  to  that 
higher  class  of  students  generally  "who  desire  an  accurate  knowledge  of  the 
practical  methods  of  arriving  at  scientific  facts." — LutJieran  Observer. 

"  We  wish  every  academical  class  in  the  land  could  have  the  benefit  of  tho 
fifty  exercises  of  two  hours  each  necessary  to  master  this  book.  Chemistry 
would  cease  to  be  a  mere  matter  of  memory,  and  become  a  pleasant  experi- 
mental and  intellectual  recreation.  We  heartily  commend  this  little  volume 
to  the  notice  of  thote  teachers  v/ho  believe  in  using  the  sciences  as  means  of 
mental  discipline." — College  Courani. 


Oraig^s  Decimal  Systein, 

Square    32mo.     Limp.     50c. 

WEIGHTS  AND  MEASUEES.  An  Account  of  the  Decimal 
System,  with  Tables  of  Conversion  for  Commercial  and  Scientific 
Uses.     By  B.  P.  Ceaig,  M.  D. 

"  The  most  lucid,  accurate,  and  useful  of  all  the  hand-books  on  this  subject 
that  we  have  yet  seen.  It  gives  forty-seven  tables  of  comparison  between  the 
English  and  French  ctenominations  of  length,  area,  capacity,  weight,  and  the 
Centigrade  and  Fahrenheit  thermometers,  with  clear  instructions  how  to  use 
them ;  and  to  this  practical  portion,  which  helps  to  make  the  transition  as 
easy  as  possible,  is  x^refixed  a  scientific  explanation  of  the  errors  in  the  metric 
system,  and  hov/  they  may  be  corrected  in  tho  laboratory." — Naiian. 


D.    VAN  XOSTIIAND,  19 


Nugent  on  Optics. 

12mo.      Cloth.     $2.00 

TREATISE  ON  OPTICS ;  or,  Light  and  Siglit,  theoretically  and 
practically  treated  ;  "with  the  application  to  Fine  Art  and  Indus- 
trial Pursuits.  By  E.  Nugknt.  With  one  hundred  and  throo 
illustrations. 

"  This  book  is  of  a  practical  rather  thau  a  theoretical  kind,  and  is  de- 
signed to  afford  accurate  and  complete  information  to  all  interested  in  appli- 
cations of  the  science." — Round  Table. 


Barnard's  Metric  System, 

8vo.     Brown  cloth.     §3.00. 

THE  METEIO  SYSTEM  OF  WEIGHTS  AND  MEASUEES. 
An  Address  delivered  before  the  Convocation  of  the  University  of 
the  State  of  Nev/  York,  at  Albany,  August,  1871.  By  Fkedehice 
A.  P.  Baexae-d,  President  of  Columbia  College,  Nevv^  York  City. 
Second  edition  from  the  Revised  edition  printed  for  the  Trustees 
of  Columbia  College.     Tinted  paper. 

"  It  is  the  best  summary  of  the  arguments  in  favor  of  the  metric  weights 
and  measures  with  which  we  are  acquainted,  not  only  because  it  contains  in 
small  space  the  leading  facts  of  the  case,  but  because  it  puts  the  advocacy  of 
that  system  on  the  only  tenable  grounds,  namely,  the  great  convenience  of  a 
decimal  notation  of  weight  and  measure  as  well  as  money,  the  value  of  inter- 
national uniformity  in  the  matter,  and  the  fact  that  this  metric  system  as 
adopted  ani  in  general  use  by  the  majority  of  civilized  nations." — The  Matiou- 


The  Young  MechaniCo 

Illustrated.     12mo.      Cloth.     $1.75. 

THE  YOUNG-  MECHANIC.  Containing  directions  for  the  use 
of  all  kinds  of  tools,  and  for  the  construction  of  steam  engines 
and  mechanical  models,  including  the  Art  of  Turning  in  Wood 
and  Metal.  By  the  author  of  "The  Lathe  and  its  Uses,"  etc. 
From  the  English  edition,  with  corrections. 


20  ISCIENTIFIC  BOOKS  PUBLISIIElJ  MT 

Harrison's  Meclianio's  Tool-Book. 

13mo.     Cloth.     ll.oO. 

MECHANIC'S  TOOL  BOOK,  with  practical  rules  and  suggestions, 
for  the  use  of  Machinists,  Iron  Workers,  and  others.  J^y  W.  B. 
Haerisox,  Associate  Editor  of  the  "American  Artisan."  Illustra- 
ted with  44  engravings. 

"  This  work  is  specially  adapted  to  meet  the  wants  of  Machinists  and  work- 
ers in  iron  generally.  It  is  made  up  of  the  work-day  experience  of  an  intelli- 
gent and  ingenious  mechanic,  who  had  the  faculty  of  adapting  tools  to  various 
purposes.  The  practicability'-  of  his  plans  and  suggestions  are  made  apparent 
even  to  the  unpractised  eye  by  a  series  of  well-executed  v^^ood  engravings." — 
Philadelphia  Inquirer. 


Pope^s  Modern  Practice  of  tlie  Elec- 
tric Telegrapho 

Eighth  Edition.    8yo.    Cloth     $2.00. 

A  Hand-book  for  Electricians  and  Operators.      By  Ee.axk  L.  Pope. 
Seventh  edition.      Berised  and  enlarged,  and  fully  illustrated. 

Extract  from  Letter  of  Prof.  Morse. 

"  I  have  had  time  only  cursorily  to  examine  its  contents,  but  this  examina- 
tion has  resulted  in  great  gratification,  especially  at  the  fairness  and  unpre- 
judiced tone  of  your  whole  work. 

"  Your  illustrated  diagrams  are  admirable  and  beautifully  executed. 

"  I  think  all  your  instructions  in  the  use  of  the  telegraph  apparatus  judi- 
cious and  correct,  and  I  most  cordially  wish  you  success." 

Extract  from  Letter  c^  Prof.  G.  W.  Hough,  of  the  Dudley  Ohsevoatery. 

"  There  is  no  other  work  of  this  kind  in  the  English  language  that  con- 
tains in  so  small  a  compass  so  much  practical  information  in  the  application 
of  galvanic  electricity  to  telegraphy.  It  should  be  in  the  hands  of  every  one 
interested  in  telegraphy,  or  the  use  of  Batteries  for  other  purposes." 


Morsels  Telegrapliio  Apparatus, 

Illustrated.     8vo.     Cloth.     $2.00. 

EXAMINATION  OE  THE  TELEGEAPHIC  APPAEATUS 
AND  THE  PEOCESSES  IN  TELEOAPHY.  By  Samuel  E. 
B.  MoESE,  LL.D.,  United  States  Commissioner  Paris  ETniversal 
Exposition,  1867. 


D.  VAJV  XOSTIlAIiD.  21 

Sabine^s  History  of  the  Telegraph. 

12mo.  Cloth.     $1.25. 

HISTOEY  AND  PEOGRESS  OF  THE  ELECTPJO  TELE- 
GRAPH, witli  Descriptions  of  some  of  tlie  Apparatus.  By 
BoBEET  S-iBi2fE,  G.  E.      Second  edition,  with,  additions. 

Contents. — I.  Early  Observations  of  Electrical  Phenomena.  II.  Tele- 
graphs bj  Frictional  Electricity.  III.  Telegraphs  by  Voltaic  Electricity. 
IV.  Telegraphs  by  Electro-Magnetism  and  Magneto-Electricity.  V.  Tele- 
graphs now  in  use.  VI.  Overhead  Lines.  VTI.  Submarine  Telegraph  Lines. 
VIII.  Underground  Telegraphs.     IX.  Atmospheric  Electricity. 


Haskins^    G-alvanometer, 

Pocket  form.     Illustrated.     Morocco  tucks.     §2.00. 

THE  GALVAInOMSTER,  AND  ITS  USES;    a  Manual  for 
Electricians  and  Students.     By  0.  H.  Haskixs. 

"  We  hope  this  excellent  little  ^vork  will  meet  with  the  sale  its  merits 
entitle  it  to.  To  every  telegrapher  who  oWnS;  or  uses  a  Galvanometer,  or 
ever  expects  to,  it  will  be  quite  indispensable." — The  Telegrapher, 


Cnlley's  Hand-Book  of  Telegraphy. 

8vo.    .Cloth.     15.00. 

A  HAND-BOOK  OF  PRACTICAL  TELEGRAPHY.  By 
R.  S.  CuLLEY,  Engineer  to  tho  Electric  and  International 
Telegraph    Company.     Eifth.  edition^  revised  and  enlarged. 


Foster's  Submarine  Blasting. 

4to.     Cloth.     $3.50. 

SUBMAEIKE  BLASTIMG-  in  Boston  Harbor,  Massachusetts- 
Removal  of  Tower  and  Corwin  Rocks.  By  John  G.  EosxEn, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  of  Engineers,  and  Brevet  Major- General,  U. 

S.  Army.     Illustrated  with  seven  plates. 

List  op  Plates. — 1.  Sketch  of  the  Narrows,  Boston  Harbor.  2. 
Townsend's  Submarine  Drilling  Machine,  and  Working-  Vessel  attending. 
3.  Submarine  Drilling  Machine  employed.  4.  Details  of  Drilling  Machine 
employed.  5.  Cartridges  and  Tamping  used.  6.  Fuses  and  Insulated  Y/ireg 
used.     7.  Portable  Friction  Batterv  used. 


22  SCIENTIFIC  IsOOK^  PUBLISHED  BY 

Barnes^  Submarine  "Warfare. 

8vo.     Cloth.     O'J.OO. 

SUBMARINE  Yn^ARFAEE,  DEFENSIVE  AND  OFFENSIVE. 
Comprising  a  full  and  complete  History  of  the  Invention  of  the 
Torpedo,  its  employment  in  War  and  results  of  its  use.  De- 
scriptions of  tlio  Tarious  forms  of  Torpedoes,  Submarine  Batteries 
and  Torpedo  Boats  actually  used  in  War.  Methods  of  Ignition 
by  Machinery,  Contact  Fuzes,  and  Electricity,  and  a  full  account 
of  experiments  made  to  determine  the  Explosive  Force  of  Gun- 
powder under  Water.  Also  a  discussion  of  the  Offensive  Torpedo 
system,  its  effect  upon  Iron-Clad  Ship  systems,  and  influence  upon 
Future  Naval  Wars.  By  Lieut.-Commander  John"  S.  Barnes, 
U.  S.  N.     With  twenty  lithographic  plates  and  many  vrood-cuts. 

"  A  book  important  to  military  men,  and  especially  so  to  engineers  and  ar- 
tillerists. It  consists  of  an  examination  of  the  varions  offensive  and  defensive 
engines  that  have  been  contrived  for  submarine  hostilities,  including  a  discus- 
sion of  the  torpedo  system,  its  effects  upon  iron-clad  ship-systems,  and  its 
probable  influence  upon  future  naval  wars.  Plates  of  a  valuable  character 
accompany  the  treatise,  which  affords  a  useful  history  of  the  momentous  sub- 
ject it  discusses.  A  great  deal  of  useful  inform.ation  is  collected  in  its  pages, 
especially  concerning  the  inventions  of  ScHOLL  and  Yeiidu,  and  of  JoNES' 
and  Hunt's  ])atteries,  as  well  as  of  other  similar  machines,  and  the  use  in 
submarine  operations  of  gun-cotton  and  nitro-glycerine." — N.  Y.  Times, 


Ra^ndairs  Quartz  Operator's  Hand- 

Book. 

12mo.     Cloth.     $2.00. 

QUARTZ  OPEEATOE'S   HAND-BOOK.     By   F,  M.  Eandall, 
New  edition,  revised  and  enlarged.     Fully  illustrated. 

The  object  of  tliis  work  has  been  to  present  a  clear  and  comprehensive  ex- 
position of  mineral  veins,  and  the  means  and  modes  chiefly  emx)loyed  for  the 
mining  and  working  of  their  ores — more  especially  those  containing  gold  and 
silver. 


1\    VA:^  XOSTIIAXD. 


Mitcheirs  Manual  of  Assayingc 

« 

8vo.     Cloth.     $10.00. 

A  MANUAL  OF  PEACTICAL  ASSAYING.    By  Johx  Mitchell. 
Third  edition.     Edited  by  Willia^i  Cbookes,  F.E..S. 

In  this  edition  are  incorporated  all  the  late  important  discoveries  in  Assay- 
ing made  in  this  country  and  abroad,  and  special  care  is  devoted  to  the  very 
important  Volumetric  and  Colorimetric  Assays,  as  well  as  to  the  Blow-Pipe 


Beliefs  Chronoscope. 

Second  Edition^ 

Illustrated.     4to.     Cloth.     $3.00. 

ELECTEO-BALLISTIO  MACHn^TES,  and  tlie  Scliultz  Chrono- 
scope. By  Lieutenant-Colonel  S.  Y.  Bexet,  Captain  of  Ordnance, 
U.  S.  Army. 

Contents. — 1.  Ballistic  Pendulum.  2.  G-un  Pendulum.  3.  Use  of  Elec- 
tricity. 4.  NaVez' Jjlachine.  5.  Vignotti's  Machine,  with  Plates.  G.Benton's 
Electro-Ballistic  Pendulum,  with  Plates.  7.  Leur's  Tro-Pendulum  Iviachine 
8.  Schultz's  Chrcnoscope,  with  two  Plates. 


Michaelis^  Clironograpli. 

4to.     Illustrated.     Cloth.     $3.00. 

THE  LE  BOULENGE  CHEONOGEAPH.  YV^ith  three  litho- 
graphed folding  plates  of  illustrations.  By  Brevet  Captain  0  E. 
MiCHAELis,  First  Lieutenant  Ordnance  Corps,  U.  S.  Army. 

"  The  excellent  monograph  of  Captain  Michaelis  enters  minutely  into  the 
details  of  construction  and  management,  and  gives  tables  of  the  times  of  flight 
calculated  upon  a  given  fall  of  the  chronometer  for  ail  distances.  Captain 
Michaelis  has  done  good  service  in  presenting  this  work  to  his  brother  officers, 
describing,  as  it  does,  an  instrument  which  bids  fair  to  be  in  constant  use  in 
our  future  ballistic  experiments.'' — xii^my  and  Navy  JourmB. 


24  SCIENTIFIC  IWOKli  PUBLISHED  BY       - 

Silversmith's  Hand-Book, 

FourtJi  JEditioii. 

Illustrated.     12mo.     Cloth.     $3.00. 

A  PBACTICAL  HAND-BOOK  FOE  MINERS,  Metallurgists, 
and  Assayers,  comprising  the  most  recent  improvements  in  th(3 
disintegration,  amalgamation,  smelting,  and  parting  of  the 
Precious  Ores,  with  a  Comprehensive  Digest  of  the  Mining 
Laws.  Greatly  augmented,  revised,  and  corrected.  By  Julius 
Silvees:mith.  Fourth  edition.  Profusely  illustrated.  1  vol. 
12mo.     Cloth.     $3.00. 

One  of  the  most  important  features  of  this  work  is  that  in  -which  the 
metallurgy  of  the  precious  metals  is  treated  of.  In  it  the  author  has  endeav- 
ored to  embody  all  the  processes  for  the  reduction  and  manipulation  of  the 
precious  ores  heretofore  successfully  employed  in  Germany,  England,  Mexico, 
and  the  United  States,  together  with  such  as  have  been  more  recently  invented, 
a,nd  not  yet  fully  tested — all  of  which  are  profusely  illustrated  and  easy  of 
comprehension. 


Simms'  Levelling. 

8vo.     Cloth.     12.50. 

A  TEEATISE  ON  THE  PEINCIPLES  AND  PEACTICE  OF 
LEVELLING-,  showing  its  application  to  purposes  of  Paihvay 
Engineering  and  the  Construction  of  Poads,  &c.  By  Fredeeick 
Yf .  SiMMs,  C.  E.  From  the  fifth  London  edition,  revised  and 
corrected,  with  the  addition  of  Mr.  Lav/'s  Practical  Examples  for 
Setting  Out  Pailway  Curves.  Illustrated  vfitli  three  lithographic 
plates  and  numerous  wood-cuts. 

"  One  of  the  most  important  text-books  for  the  general  surveyor,  and  there 
is  scarcely  a  question  connected  with  levelling  for  which  a  solution  would  be 
sought,  but  that  would  be  satisfactorily  answered  by  consulting  this  volume." 
— Ilining  Journal. 

"  The  text-book  on  levelling  in  most  of  our  engineering  schools  and  col- 
leges."— Engineers. 

"The  publishers  have  rendered  a  substantial  service  to  the  profession, 
especially  to  the  younger  members,  by  bringing  out  the  present  edition  of 
Mr.  Simms'  useful  \"or\y'— Engineering. 


D.  YAi^^  XOSTF.AjS'D.  25 

Stuart's    Successful   Engineer. 

ISmo.     Boards.     50  cents. 
HOW  TO  BECOME  A  SUCCESSEUL  ENGI^s'EER:  Being 
Hints   to  Youths   intending   to   adopt  the  Profession.      By 
Berxaed  Stuart,  Engineer.     Sixth  Edition. 

"A  valuable  little  Look  of  sound,  sensible  advice  to  yoim^  men  yA\o 
wish  to  rise  in  the  most  important  of  the  professions." — Scieniijic  American. 


Stuart's  Naval  Dry  Docks. 

TAventy-four  engraving-s  on  steel. 
FourfJi  JSditio7i, 

4t<).     Cloth.     $0.00. 

THE   XAYAL   DRY   DOCKS    OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 

By  Chaeles  B.  Stuaet.  Engineer  in  Chief  of  the  United  States 

Navy- 

List  of  Illustrations, 

Pumping"  Engine  and  Pumps — Plan  of  Dry  Bock  and  Pump-'Well— Sec- 
tions of  Dry  Dock — Engine  House — Iron  Floating  Gate — Details  of  Floating 
Grat<3 — Iron  Turning  Gate — Plan  of  Turning  Gate — Culvert  Gate — Filling 
Culvert  Gates — Engine  Bed — Plate,  Pumps,  and  Culvert — Engine  House 
Roof — Floating  Sectional  Dock — Details  of  Section,  and  Plan  of  Turn-Tablea 
— Plan  of  Basin  and  Jjlarine  Eailways — Plan  of  Slidhig  Frame,  and  Elevation 
of  Pumps — Hydraulic  Cylinder — Plan  of  Gearing  for  Pumps  and  End  Floats 
— Perspective  Tie-w  of  Dock,  Basin,  and  Railway — Plan  of  Basin  of  Ports- 
mouth Dry  Dock — Floating  Balance  Dock — Elevation  of  Trusses  and  the  Ma- 
chinery— Perspective  View  of  Balance  Dry  Dock 


Free  Hand  Drawing. 

Profusely  Illustrated.     ISmo.    Boards.     50  cents. 

A  GUIDE  TO  OENAMENTAL,  Eigiire,   and  Landscape  Draw- 
ing.    By  an  Art  Studenf. 

Contents. — Materials  em.ployed  in  Drawing,  and  how  to  use  them — On 
Lines  and  how  to  Draw  them — On  Shading — -Concerning  lines  and  shading, 
with  applications  of  them  to  simple  elementary  subjects—Sketches  from  Na- 
ture. 


26  SCIEXTIFIC  BOOKS  PUBLISHED  BY 

Minifie  s  Meclianicai  Drawing. 

Eighth  Edition. 

Royal  Svo.     Cloth.     $-4.00. 

A  TEXT-BOOK  OF  GEOMETEICAL  DRAWING  for  the  use 
of  Mechanics  aud  Schools,  in  Avhich  the  Definitions  and  Rules  of 
Geometry  are  familiarly  explained  ;  the  Practical  Problems  arc 
arranged,  from  the  most  simple  to  the  more  complex,  and  in  their 
description  technicalities  are  avoided  as  much  as  possible.  AVith 
illustrations  for  Drawing  Plans,  Sections,  and  Elevations  of 
Building's  and  Machinery ;  an  Introduction  to  Isometrical  Draw- 
ing, and  an  Essay  on  Linear  Perspective  and  Shadows.  Illus- 
trated with  over  200  diagrams  engraved  on  steel.  By  Wii, 
Minifie,  Architect.  Eighth  Edition.  With  an  Aj)pendix  on  the 
Theory  and  Application  of  Colors. 

•  "  It  is  tiie  best  work  on.  Drawin.g-  tliat  we  have  ever  seen,  and  is  especially  a 
t-ext-book  of  Geometrical  Drawing-  for  the  use  of  Mechanics  and  Schools.  No 
young  Mechanic,  such  as  a  Machinist,  Engineer,  Cabmet-Maker,  Mill\sTight, 
or  Carpenter,  should  be  without  it." — Sderdific  American. 

"  One  of  the  most  comprehensive  works  of  the  kind  ever  published,  and  can- 
not but  possess  great  value  to  builders.  The  style  is  at  once  elegant  and  sub- 
stantial."— Pennsylvania  Inquirer. 

"  Whatever  is  said  is  rendered  perfectly  intelligible  by  remarkably  well- 
executed  diagrams  on  steel,  leaving-  n-othing  for  mere  vague  suj)position ;  and 
the  addition  of  an  introduction  to  isometrical  drawing,  linear  perspective,  and 
the  projection  of  shadows,  winding  up  with  a  useful  index  to  technical  terms." 
— Glasgow  Mechanics'  Journal. 

C^^"  The  British  G-ovemment  has  authorized  the  use  of  this  book  in  their 
schools  of  art  at  Somerset  House,  London,  and  throughout  the  kingdom. 


Minifie's  G-eonietrical  Drawing. 

I'feiv  Edition,    Enlarged, 

12mo.     Cloth.     $2.00. 

GEOMETEICAL  DEAWING.  Abridged  from  the  octavo  edition, 
for  the  use  of  Schools.  Illustrated  with  48  steel  plates.  New 
edition,  enlarged. 

''  It  is  well  adapted  as  a  text-book  of  drawing  to  be  used  in  our  High  Schools 
and  Acaderaies  where  this  useful  branch  of  the  fine  arts  has  been  liitherto  too 
much  neo:lccted." — Bo&toii  Jounud. 


D.    VA^^  XOSTllAXD.  27 

Bell  on  Iron  Smelting, 

3vo.     Cloth.     $6.00. 

CHEMICAL  PHENOMENA  OE  lEON  SMELTING.  An  ex- 
perimental and  practical  examination  of  the  circumstances  which 
determine  the  capacity  of  the  Blast  Eurnace,  the  Temperature 
of  the  Air,  and  the  Proper  Condition  of  the  Materials  to  bo 
operated  upon.     By  I.  Lowthiain'  Bell. 

"  The  reactions  yrhich  take  i)lacG  in  every  foot  of  the  biast-fumace  have 
been  investigated,  and  the  natta-e  of  every  step  in  the  process,  from  the  intro- 
duction of  the  raw  material  into  the  furnace  to  the  production  of  the  pig  iron, 
has  been  carefully  ascertained,  and  recorded  so  fully  that  any  one  in  the  trade 
can  readily  avail  themselves  of  the  knowledge  acquired  ;  and  we  have  no  hes- 
itation in  saying  that  the  judicious  application  of  such  knowledge  will  do 
much  to  facilitate  the  introduction  of  arrangements  which  will  still  further 
economize  fuel,  and  at  the  same  time  permit  of  the  quality  of  the  resulting 
metal  being  maintained,  if  not  improved.  The  volume  is  one  which  no  prac- 
tical pig  iron  manufacturer  can  afford  to  be  without  if  he  be  desirous  of  en- 
tering upon  that  competition  which  nowadays  is  essential  to  x>rogress,  and 
in  issuing  such  a  work  Mr.  Bell  has  entitled  himself  to  the  best  thanks  of 
every  member  of  the  trade." — London  Mirdng  Journal. 


\ 


King's  Notes  on  Steam. 

TJiirteenth  Editiofi. 

.  8vo.     Cloth.     $2.00. 

LESSONS  AND  PEACTICAL  NOTES  ON  STEAM,  the  Steam- 
Engine,  Propellers,  &c.,  &c.,  for  Young  Engineers,  Students,  and 
others.  By  the  late  W.  E.  King,  U.  S.  N.  Eevised  by  Chief- 
Engineer  J.  W.  King,  U.  S.  Navy. 

"  This  is  one  of  the  best,  because  eminently  plain  and  practical  treatises  on 
the  Steam  Engine  ever  published. ' — Philadelplua  Press, 

This  is  the  thirteenth  edition  of  a  valuable  work  of  the  late  "W.  H.  King, 
U.  S.  N.  It  contains  lessons  and  practical  notes  on  Steam  and  the  Steam  En- 
gine, Propellers,  etc.  It  is  calculated  to  bo  of  great  use  to  young  marine  en- 
gineers, students,  and  others.  The  text  is  iU  \strated  and  explained  by  nu- 
merous diagrams  and  representations  of  ra  .chinery.  —  ^<?s^n  Daily  Adver- 
User. 

Text-book  at  the  U.  S.  Naval  Academy,  Annapolis. 


£8  SCIEXTIFIC  HO  OK;  I  PUBLISinLU  BY 

Burgli's  Modem  Marine  Engineering. 

Olio  thxick  4to  vol.     Cloth.     ;;25.00.     Half  morocco.     $30.00. 

MODEEN  2>IAEIXE  ENQINEEEING,  applied  to  Paddle  and 
Scre^"  Propulsion.  Consisting  of  3G  Colored  Plates,  259  Practical 
Wood-cut  Illusti-ations,  and  403  pages  of  Descriptive  Matter,  Him 
whole  being  an  exposition  of  tlio  present  practice  of  the  follow- 
ing firms  :  Messrs.  J.  Penn  &  Sons ;  Messrs.  Maudslay,  Sons  t": 
Pield  ;  Messrs.  James  Yv'att  &  Co.  ;  Messrs.  J.  &  G.  Ecnnio  ; 
Messrs.  P.  N a.pier  &  Sons  ;  Messrs,  J.  &  AY.  Dudgeon ;  Messrs. 
Pavenliill  &  Hodgson ;  Messrs.  Humphreys  &  Tenant ;  Mr. 
J.  T.  Spencer,  and  Messrs.  Forrester  &  Co.  I3y  N.  P.  Buegh, 
Engineer. 

PmxciPAL.  Contents. — General  Arrangements  of  Engines,  11  examples 
— General  Arrangement  of  Boilers,  14  examples  —  General  Arrangement  of 
Superheaters,  11  examples — Details  of  Oscillating  Paddle  Engines,  34  ex- 
amples— Condensers  for  Screw  Engines,  both  Injection  and  Surface,  20  ex- 
amples— Details  of  Screw  Engines,  20  examples — Cylinders  and  Details  of 
Screw  Engines,  21  examples — Slide  Valves  and  Details,  7  examples — Slide 
Valve,  Link  IvTotion,  7  examples — Expansion  Valves  and  Gear,  10  exam- 
ples— Details  in  General,  00  examples— Screw  Propeller  and  Fittings,  13  ex- 
amples -  Engine  and  Boiler  Fittings,  23  examples  -  In  relation  to  the  Princi- 
ples of  the  Marine  Engine  and  Boiler,  83  examples. 

Notices  oft/ie  Press. 

"Every  conceivable  detail  of  the  Marine  Engine,  under  all  its  various 
forms,  is  profusely,  and  we  must  add,  admirably  illustrated  by  a  multitudo 
of  engravings,  selected  from  the  best  and  most  modern  practice  of  the  first 
Marine  Engineers  of  the  day.  The  chapter  on  Condensers  is  peculiarly  valu- 
able. In  one  word,  there  is  no  other  work  in  existence  which  will  bear  a 
moment's  comparison  v/ith  it  as  an  exponent  of  the  skill,  talent  and  practical 
experience  to  vv-hich  is  due  the  splendid  reputation  enjoyed  by  many  British 
Marine  Engineers." — Engineer. 

"  This  very  comprehensive  work,  which  was  issued  in  Monthly  parts,  has 
just  been  completed.  It  contains  large  and  full  drawings  and  copious  de- 
scriptions of  most  of  the  best  examples  of  Modern  Marine  Engines,  and  it  is 
a  complete  theoretical  and  practical  treatise  on  the  subject  of  Marine  Engi- 
neering."— American  Artisan. 

This  is  the  only  edition  of  tho  above  work  with  the  beautifully  colored 
plates,  and  it  is  out  of  print  in  England. 


7).    VAX  :rOSTi:AXD.  29 


Bourne^s  Treatise  on   the  Steam  Eix 

giiie, 

27'i7itli  Efdltlon. 
Illustrated.  4to.  Cloth.  §15.00. 
TEEATISE  ON"  THE  STEAM  ENGINE  in  its  various  applied, 
tions  to  Mines,  Mills,  Steani  Navigation,  IxailTvays,  and  AgricuL 
tiire,  witli  the  tlieoretical  investigations  respecting  tlie  Motiva 
Power  of  Heat  and  tlio  proper  Proportions  of  Steam  Engines. 
Elaborate  Tables  of  the  right  dimensions  of  every  part,  and 
P'ractical  Instructions  for  the  Manufacture  and  Management  of 
every  species  of  Engine  in  actual  use.  By  Joh:n~  Boue^ye,  being 
the  ninth  edition  of  "  A  Treatise  on  the  Steam  Engine,"  by 
the '^Artisan  Club."  Illustrated  by  thirty-eight  plates  and  Hvo 
hundred  and  forty-six  -wood-cuts. 

As  Mr.  Bourne's  -vvork  lias  the  great  merit  of  avoiding  unsound  and  imma- 
turo  views,  it  may  safely  be  consulted  "by  all  who  are  really  desirous  of  ac- 
quiring trustworthy  information  on  the  subject  of  which  it  treats.  During 
the  twenty-two  years  which  havo  elapsed  from  the  issue  of  the  first  edition, 
the  improvements  introduced  in  the  construction  of  tho  steam  engine  have 
been  both  numerous  and  important,  and  of  these  Mr.  Bourne  ha,s  taken  caro 
to  point  out  tho  more  prominent,  and  to  furnish  the  reader  with  such  infor- 
mation as  shall  enable  him  readily  to  judge  of  their  relative  value.  This  edi- 
tion has  been  thoroughly  modernised,  and  made  to  accord  with  the  opinions 
and  practice  of  the  more  successful  engineers  of  tho  present  day.  All  that 
the  book  professes  to  give  is  given  with  ability  and.  evident  care.  The  scien- 
tific principles  which  aro  permanent  are  admirably  explained,  and  reference 
is  made  to  many  of  the  more  valuable  of  the  recently  introduced  engines.  To 
express  an  opinion  of  tho  value  and  utility  of  such  a  work  as  The  Artisan 
(Jlulfs  Treatise  on  the  Steam  Engine,  which  has  passed  through  eight  editions 
already,  would  be  superfluous  ;  but  it  may  be  safely  stated  that  the  work  is 
worthy  the  attentive  study  of  all  either  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  steam 
engines  or  interested  in  economizing  the  use  of  steam. — Mining  Journal. 


Isiier^;Aroocrs  Engineeriiig  Precedents. 

Two  Vols,  in  One.     Svo.     Cloth.     §2.50. 

ENGINEEEINa  PEECEDENTS  FOE,  STEAM  MACHINTEEY. 

Arranged  in  the  most  practical  and  useful  manner  for  Engineers. 
By  B.  r.  IsHERWooD,  Civil  Engineer,  U.  S.  Navy.  With  illus- 
trations. 


SCIEXTIFJC  2;OOK;j  l^rj^UsllKJ,    i:y 


Warcrs  Steam  for  tliG  Million. 

Neiv   anil   iLCvised  Edition, 

8vo.  Cloth.     81.00. 

STEAM  FOE  THE  MILLIOX.  A  Popular  Treatise  on  Steam 
and  its  Application  to  the  "Useful  Arts,  especially  to  Tsavig-a- 
tion.  By  J.  H.  Waud,  Commander  U.  S.  Navy.  Kevr  and  ro 
Tised  edition. 

A  most  excellent  Trork  for  the  young  engineer  and  general  reader.  Many 
facts  relating  to  the  management  of  the  boiler  and  engine  are  set  forth  Avitli  a 
simplicity  of  language  and  perfection  of  detail  that  bring  the  subject  homo 
to  the  reader. — American  Engineer. 


V/eJker^s  Scre*;^/  ir'ropnlsioii. 

Svo.     Cloth.     75  cents. 

KOTES  ON  SGEEW  PEOPULSION,  its  Pise  and  History.     Py 
Capt.  "W.  H.  Walkepc,  U.  S.  Navy. 

Commander  "Walker's  book  contains  an  immense  a,mount  of  concise  pra.cti- 
cal  data,  and  every  item  of  information  recorded  fully  proves  that  the  various 
i)oints  bearing  upon  it  ha.ve  been  well  considered  previously  to  expreisaing  an 
opinion. — Londoii  JSHning  Journal. 


Page's  Eartli^s  Orust. 

ISmo,     Cloth.     To  cents. 

THE  EAETH^S  CEUST :     a    Handy    Outline    of   Geology.      By 
David  Page. 

"  Such  a  work  as  this  was  much,  wanted — a  work  giving  in  clear  and  intel- 
ligible outline  the  leading  facts  of  the  science,  without  amplificatioa  or  irk- 
some details.  It  is  admirable  in  arrangement,  and  clear  and  easy,  and,  at  tha 
same  time,  forcible  in  style.  It  will  lead,  we  hope,  to  the  introduction  of 
Geology  into  many  schools  that  have  neither  time  nor  room  for  the  study  of 
large  treatises." — The  21useum. 


I).  VAX  2\^0STHAXJJ. 


Rogers'  Geology  of  Pennsylvania. 

3  Vols.  4to,  with  Portfolio  of  Maps.     Cloth.     $30.00. 

THE  GEOLOGY  OF  PENNSYLVANIA.  A  Government  Sur- 
vey. With  a  general  view  of  the  Geology  of  the  United  States, 
Essays  on  the  Coal  Formation  and  its  Fossils,  and  a  description 
of  the  Coal  Fields  of  North  America  and  Great  Britain.  By 
Henry  Darwix  FiGgers,  Late  State  Geologist  of  Pennsylvania. 
Splendidly  illustrated  vrith  Plates  and  Engravings  in  the  Text. 

It  certainly  should  be  in  every  public  library-  throughoiit  the  countn,--,  and 
likewise  in  the  possession  of  all  students  of  G-eology.  After  the  final  sale  of 
these  copies,  the  -work  vril],  of  course,  become  more  valuable. 

The  work  for  the  last  five  years  has  been  entirely  out  of  the  market,  but  a 
few  copies  that  remained  in  the  hands  of  Prof.  Rogers,  in  Scotland,  at  the 
time  of  his  death,  are  now  offered  to  the  public,  at  a  price  which  is  even 
below  what  it  was  originally  sold  for  when  first  published. 


Morfit  on  Pure  Fertilizers. 

With  28  Illustrative  Plates.     Svo.     Cloth.     $20.00. 

A  PEACTICAL  TPEATISE  ON   PURE   FERTILIZERS,  and 

the  Chemical  Conversion  of  Rock  Guanos,  Mar.lstones,  Coprolites, 
and  the  Crude  Pliosphates  of  Lime  and  Alumina  Generally,  into 

By  CAilPBELL  MOEFIT,  M.D.,  F.C.S. 


Sweet^s  Report  on  Coal. 

8ro.     Clotli.     .$3.00. 

SPECIAL  REPORT  ON  COAL  ;  showing  its  Distribution,  Classi- 
fication, and  Cost  delivered  over  different  routes  to  various  points 
in  the  State  of  New  T'ork,  and  the  principa,!  cities  on  the  Atlantic 
Coast.     By  S.  H.  Sweet.     "With  maps. 


Golbnrn's  Gas  Works  of  London, 

12ino.      Boards.      GO  cents. 

GAS  WORKS  OF  LONDON.     Bv  ZER.^n  Colbuen-. 


82  SCI-EXTIFIC  BOOKS  PUBLISHED  BY 


The  Useful  Metals  and  their  Alloys ; 
ScofFreii,  Truran,  and  others. 

Fifth  Edition, 

8vo.  Half  calf.  $3.75. 
THE  USEFUL  METALS  AND  THEIE  ALLOYS,  inclading 
MINING  VENTILATION,  MINING  JUEISPEUDENCE 
AND  METALLUEGIC  CHEMISTEY  emiiloyed  in  the  conver- 
sion of  lEON,  COPPEE,  TIN,  ZINO,  ANTIMONY,  AND 
LEAD  OEES,  with  their  applications  to  THE  INDUSTEIAL 
AETS.  By  John  Scofficen,  AVilliam  Trurax,  William  Clay, 
EoBEiiT  OxLANi),  WiLLiAii  Faiebaiex,  W.  C.  AiTKiN,  and  Wil- 
liam YosE  Pickett. 


Collins^  Useful  Alloys, 

18mo.     Flexible.      75  cents. 

THE  PEIYATE  BOOK  OF  USEFUL  ALLOYS  and  Memo- 
randa for  Goldsmiths,  Jewellers,  etc.     Bj  James  E.  Collins 

This  little  book  is  compiled  from  notes  made  by  tbxe  Author  from  the 
papers  of  one  of  the  largest  and  most  eminent  Manufacturing  G-oldsmiths  and 
Jewellers  in  this  country,  and  as  the  firm  is  now  no  longer  in  existence,  and  the 
Author  is  at  present  engaged  in  some  other  undertaking,  he  now  offers  to  the 
public  the  benefit  of  his  experience,  and  in  so  doing  he  begs  to  state  that  all 
the  alloys,  etc.,  given  in  these  pages  may  be  confidently  relied  on  as  being 
thoroughly  practicable. 

The  Memoranda  and  Receipts  throughout  this  book  are  also  compiled 
from  practice,  and  will  no  doubt  be  found  useful  to  the  jpractical  jeweller. 
— Shirley,  July,  1871. 

Joynson  s  Metals  Used  in  Construction. 

12mo.     Cloth.     75  cents. 

THE  METALS  USED  IN  CON^TEUCTION :  Iron,  Steel, 
Bessemer  Metal,  etc.,  etc.  By  Francis  Herbert  Joynson.  Il- 
lustrated. 

"  In  the  interests  of  practical  science,  we  are  bound  to  notice  this  work ; 
and  to  those  who  wish  further  information,  we  should  say,  buy  it ;  and  the 
outlay,  wo  honestly  believe,  will  be  considered  well  spent."  —  Scientific 
Review. 


I).    VAN  XOSTIIAND. 


Hoiley's  Ordnance  and  Armor. 

493  Engravings.     Half  P.oan,  $10.00.     Half  Eussia,  $12.00. 

A  TEEATISE  ON  OEDNANCE  AND  AEMOE— Embracing 
Descriptions,  Discussions,  and  Professional  Opinions  concerning 
the  Mateeial,  EABEiCATioisr,  Eequirements,  Capabilities,  and  En- 
durance of  European  and  American  Guns,  for  Naval,  Sea  Coast, 
and  Iron-clad  Warfare,  and  their  Eifling,  Projectiles,  and 
Beeech-Loadiis^g  ;  also,  Eesults  of  Experiments  against  Armor, 
from  Ofncial  Eecords,  with  an  Appendix  referring  to  Grun-Cotton, 
Hooped  Gruns,  etc.,  etc.  By  Alexander  L.  HoLLEr,  B.  P.  9-18 
pages,  493  Engravings,  and  147  Tables  of  Eesults,  etc. 

Contents. 

Chapter  I. — Standard  G-uns  and  their  Fabrication  Described :  Section  1. 
Hooped  G-uns;  Section  2.  Solid  Wrought  Iron  Guns;  Section  3.  Solid  Steel 
Guns ;  Section  4.  Cast-iron  Guns.  Chapter  II. — The  Eequirements  of  Guns, 
Armor:  Section  1.  The  Work  to  be  done;  Section  2.  Heavy  Shot  at  Low  Ve- 
locities ;  Section  3.  Small  Shot  at  High  Velocities ;  Section  4.  The  two  Sys- 
tems Combined ;  Section  5.  Breaching  Masonry.  Chapter  III. — The  Strains 
and  Structure  of  Guns:  Section  1.  Kesistance  to  Elastic  Pressure ;  Section  2. 
The  Effects  of  Vibration;  Section  3.  The  Effects  of  Heat.  Chapter  IV.— 
Cannon  Metals  and  Processes  of  Fabrication:  Section  1.  Elasticity  and  Ductil- 
ity; Section  2.  Cast-iron;  Section  3.  Wrought  Iron;  Section  4.  Steel;  Sec- 
tion 5.  Bronze ;  Section  6.  Other  Alloys.  Chapter  V. — Rifling  and  Projec- 
tiles; Standard  Forms  and  Practice  Described;  Early  Experiments;  The 
Centring  System ;  The  Compressing  System ;  The  Expansion  System ;  Armor 
Punching  Projectiles;  Shells  for  Molten  Metal;  Competitive  Trial  of  Eifled 
Guns,  18G2  ;  Duty  of  Eifled  Guns:  General  Uses,  Accuracy,  Eange, Velocity , 
Strain,  Liability  of  Projectile  to  Injury ;  Firing  Spherical  Shot  from  Eifled 
Guns ;  Material  for  Armor-Punching  Projectiles ;  Shape  of  Armor-Punching 
Projectiles;  Capacity  and  Destructiveness  of  Shells;  Elongated  Shot  from 
Smooth  Bores;  Conclusions;  Velocity  of  Projectiles  (Tabled  Chapter  VI.— 
Breech-Loading  Advantages  and  Defects  of  the  System;  Eapid  Firing  and 
Cooling  Guns  by  Machinery;  Standard  Breech-Loaders  Described.  Part  Sec- 
ond :  Experiments  against  Armor ;  Account  of  Experiments  from  Official 
Eecords  in  Chronological  Order.  Appendix. — Eeport  on  the  Application  of 
Gun-Cotton  to  Warlike  Purposes— British  Association,  1863 ;  Manufacture  and 
Experiments  in  England ;  Guns  Hooped  with  Initial  Tension — History;  How 
Guns  Burst,  by  Wiard,  Lyman's  Accelerating  Gun;  Endurance  of  Pan-ott 
and  Whitworth  Guns  at  Charleston  ;  Hooping  old  United  States  Cast-iron 
Guns  ;  Endurance  and  Accuracy  of  the  Armstrong  600-pounder;  Competitive 
Trials  with  7-inch  Guns, 


34  ^CIEXTIFIC  BOOKH  PUJiLISUJ::!)  JiY 

Peirce's  Anal3rtic  Mechanics. 

4to.     Cloth.     $10.00. 

SYSTEM  OF  ANALYTIC  MECHANICS.  Physical  and  Celestial 
Mechanics.  By  Benjamin  Peirce,  Perkins  Professor  of  Astronomy 
and  Mathematics  in  Harvard  University,  and  Consulting  As- 
tronomer of  the  American  Ephemeris  and  Nautical  Almanac. 

.  Developed  in  four  systems  of  Analytic  Mechanics,  Celestial 
Mechanics,  Potential  Physics,  and  Analytic  Morphology. 

"  I  liave  re-examined  the  memoirs  of  the  great  geomieters,  and  have  striven 
to  consolidate  their  latest  researches  and  their  most  exalted  forms  of  thought 
into  a  consistent  and  uniform  treatise.  If  I  have  hereby  succeeded  in  open- 
ing to  the  students  of  my  country  a  readier  access  to  these  choice  jewels  of 
intellect ;  if  their  brilliancy  is  not  impaired  in  this  attempt  to  reset  them  ;  if, 
in  their  own  constellation,  they  illustrate  each  other,  and  concentrate 
a  stronger  light  iipon  the  names  of  their  discoverers  ,  and,  still  more,  if  any 
gem  which  I  may  have  presumed  to  add  is  not  wholly  lustreless  in  the  collec- 
tion, I  shall  feel  that  my  work  has  not  been  in  vain." — Extract  from  the  Pre- 
face. 


Burt"s  Key  to  Soiar  Compass, 

Secoitd  Edition. 

Pocket  Book  Form.     Tuck.     $2.50. 

KEY  TO  THE  SOLAR  COMPASS,  and  Surveyor's  Companion ; 
comprising  all  the  Pules  necessary  for  use  in  the  field;  also, 
Description  of  the  Linear  Surveys  and  Public  Land  System  of 
the  United  States,  Notes  on  the  Barometer,  Suggestions  for  an 
outfit  for  a  Survey  of  four  months,  etc.,  etc.,  etc.  By  W.  A. 
BuET,  U.  S.  Deputy  Surveyor.     Second  edition. 


Cliauvenets  Lunar  Distances. 

8vo.     Cloth.     12.00. 

NEW  METHOD  OF  COERECTINa  LUNAP  DISTANCES, 
and  Improved  Method  of  Finding  the  Error  and  Rate  of  a  Chro- 
nometer, by  equal  altitudes.  By  Wm.  Chauvenet,  LL.D.,  Chan- 
cellor of  Washington  University  of  St.  Louis. 


D.   TAN  XO^TllAXD.  35 


Jeffers'  Nautical  Surveying. 

Illustrated  with  9  Copperplates  and  31  Wood-cut  Illustrations.     8vo. 
Clotii.      $5.00. 

NAUTICAL  SUEYEYING.  By  YfiLLiAii  N.  Jefpees,  Captain 
U.  S.  Navy. 

^lany  books  have  been  -written  on  each  of  the  subjects  treated  of  in  the 
sixteen  chapters  of  this  -work;  and,  to  obtain  a  complete  knowledge  of 
geodetic  surve^.'ing  requires  a  profound  study  of  the  whole  range  of  mathe- 
matical and  physical  sciences ;  but  a  year  of  preparation  should  render  any 
intelligent  oiScer  competent  to  conduct  a  nautical  survey. 

Contents. — Chapter  I.  Formulai  and  Constants  Useful  in  Surveying 
II.  Distinctive  Character  of  Surveys.  III.  Hydrographic  Surveying  under 
Sail ;  or,  Hunning  Survey.  IV.  Hydrographic  Surv^eying  of  Boats ;  or,  Har- 
bor Survey.  Y.  Tides — Definition  of  Tidal  Phenomena — Tidal  Observations. 
YI.  Measurement  of  Bases— Appropriate  and  Direct.  VII.  Measurement  of 
the  Angles  of  Triangles — Azimuths — Astronomical  Bearings.  VIII.  Correc- 
tions to  be  Applied  to  the  Observed  Angles.  IX.  Levelling — Difference  of 
Level.  X.  Computation  of  the  Sides  of  the  Triangulation — The  Three-point 
Problem.  XI.  Determination  of  the  G-eodetic  Latitudes,  .Longitudes,  and 
Azimuths,  of  Points  of  a  Triangulation.  Xll.  Summarj'-  of  Subjects  treated 
of  in  preceding  Chapters — Examples  of  Computation  by  various  Eormulse. 
XIJI.  Projection  of  Charts  and  Plans.  XIV.  Astronomical  Determination  of 
Latitude  and  Longitude.  XV.  Magnetic  Observations.  XVI.  Deep  Sea 
Soundings.  XVII.  Tables  for  Ascertaining  Distances  at  Sea,  and  a  full 
Index. 

List  of  Plates. 

Plate  I.  Diagram  Illustrative  of  the  Triangulation.  II.  Specimen  Page 
of  Field  Book.  III.  Running  Survey  of  u  Coast.  IV.  Example  of  a  Running 
Survey  from  Belcher.  V.  Flying  Survey  of  an  Island.  VI.  Survey  of  a 
Shoal.  VII.  Boat  Survey  of  a  River.  VIH.  Three-Point  Problem.  IX. 
Triangulation. 

Coffin's  Navigation. 

Fifth  Edition. 

12mo.     Cloth.     §3.50. 

NAYIGATION  AND  NAUTICAL  ASTEONOMY.  Prepared 
for  the  use  of  the  U.  S.  Naval  Academy.  By  J.  H.  C.  Coffin, 
Prof,  of  Astronomy,  Navigation  and  Surveying,  with  52  wood- 
cut illustrations. 


8G  SCIEXTIFIC  J  WOKS  PUBLISIIEJJ  BY 


Clark's  Theoretical  Navigation. 

8vo.     Cloth.     $3.00. 

tHEOBETICAL  NAVIGATION  AND  NAUTICAL  ASTRON- 
OMY. Bj  Lewis  Cluik,  Lieut. -Commander,  U.  S.  Navy.  Il- 
lustrated with  41  Wood-cuts,  including  the  Vernier. 

Prepared  for  Use  at  the  U.  S.  Naval  Academy. 


The  Plane  Table. 

Illustrated.     8vo.     Cloth.     $2.00. 

ITS  USES   IN   TOPOGEAPHICAL  SUEVEYING.     Prom  the 
Papers  of  the,U.  S.  Coast  Survey. 

This  -work  gives  a  description,  of  the  Plane  Table  employed  at  the  U.  S. 
Coast  Survey  0£B.ce,  and  the  manner  of  using  it. 


Pook  on  Shipbnilding. 

8vo.     Cloth.     $5.00. 

METHOD  OF  COMPAEING  THE  LINES  AND  DRAUGHT- 
ING VESSELS  PROPELLED  BY  SAIL  OR  STEAM,  in- 
cluding a  Chapter  on  Laying  off  on  the  Mould-Loft  Floor.  By 
Samuel  M.  Pook,  Naval  Constructor.  1  vol.,  8vo.  With  illus- 
trations.    Cloth.     $5.00. 


Brunnow's  Spherical  Astronomyo 

Bvo.      Cloth.     $6.50. 

SPHERICAL  ASTRONOMY.     By  F.  Bexd^xow,  Ph.  Dr.    Trans- 
lated bv  the  Author  from  the  Second  German  edition. 


1).  VAN'  y^OSTIlAXJJ. 


Van  Buren's  Formulas. 

8vo.     Clotli.     $2.00. 

INVESTIGATIONS  OF  FOEMULAS,  for  the  Strength  of  the 
Iron  Parts  of  Steam  Machinery.  By  J.  D,  Tax  Bukex,  Jr.,  C.  E. 
Illustrated. 

This  is  an  analytical  discussion  of  the  f ormulre  employed  by  mechanic?.! 
engineers  in  determining  the  rupturing  or  crippling  pressure  in  the  different 
I)arts  of  a  machine.  The  fonnulae  are  founded  upon  the  principle,  that  tlio 
different  parts  of  a  machine  should  be  equally  strong,  and  are  developed  in 
reference  to  the  ultimate  strength  of  the  m.aterial  in  order  to  leave  the  ehoico 
of  a  factor  of  safety  to  the  judgment  of  the  designer.— /5'e"ZZi»ia?i's  Journal. 


Joynson  on  Machine  Gearing, 

8vo.     Cloth.     $2.00. 

THE  MECHANIC'S  AND  STUDENT'S  GUIDE  in  the  Design- 
ing and  Construction  of  General  Machine  Gearing,  as  E-ccentrics, 
Screws,  Toothed  Wheels,  etc.,  and  the  Drawing  of  Rectilineal 
and  Curved  Surfaces  ;  with  Practical  Eules  and  Details.  Edited 
by  Fkaxcis  Herbert  Jotnsox.  Illustrated  with  18  folded 
plates. 

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plainly  and  sensibly  written,  and  profusely  illustrated." — Sunday  Times. 


Barnard's  Report,  Paris  Exposition, 

1867. 

Illustrated.     8vo.     Cloth.     $5.00. 

EEPOET  ON  MACHINEEY  AND  PEOCESSES  ON  THE 
INDUSTEIAL  AETS  AND  APPAEATUS  OF  THE  EXACT 
SCIENCES.  By  F.  A.  P.  Barnard,  LL.D.— Paris  Universal 
Exposition,  1867. 

"  "We  have  in  this  volume  the  results  of  Dr.  Barnard's  study  of  the  Paris 
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is  the  most  exhaustive  treatise  upon  naodem  inventions  that  has  appeared 
since  the  Universal  Exhibition  of  1851,  and  we  doubt  if  anything  equal  to  it 
has  appeared  this  century."  — Joar/iaZ  xi^ypUed  Cliemistry. 


3S  ^ICIKNTIFK!  jUUkKS  FL'r.LJSllKD  DV 


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1863-04-65-66-67-68.     Fully  illustrated.     6  volumes. 

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Beckwith's  Pottery. 

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0BSEEYATI0N3  ON  THE  MATERIALS  and  Manufacture  of 
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International  Exhibition,  1871.  By  Arthfe  Beckwith,  Ci^dl 
Engineer. 

'•'  Everrtliing  is  noticed  in  this  book  which  comes  under  the  head  of  Pot- 
tery, from  fine  porcelain  to  ordinary  brick,  and  aside  from  the  interest  which 
all  take  in  such  manufactureis,  the  ■work  will  be  of  considerable  value  to 
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Dodd's  Dictionary  of  Manufactures,  etc. 

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DICTIONARY  OF   MANUFACTURES,   IMINING,   MACHIN- 
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i j  indicated  in.  various  Vv^ays. 


D.    VAN  NOHTliANJJ.  39 

Stuart's  Civil  and  Military  Engineer- 
ing of  America. 

8vo.     Illustrated.      Cloth.     $5.00. 

THE  CIVIL  AND  MILITARY  ENGINEERS  OF  AMERICA. 
By  General  Charles  B.  Stuaet,  Author  of  "  Naval  Dry  Docks 
of  the  United  States,"  etc.,  etc.  Embellished  with  nine  finely 
executed  portraits  on  steel  of  eminent  engmeers,  and  illustrated 
by  engravings  of  some  of  tlie  most  important  and  original  worlvfi 
constructed  in  America. 

Containing  sketclies  of  the  Life  and  "Works  of  Islajor  Andre-w  Ellicott, 
James  Geddes  (with  Portrait^  Benjamin  Wright  (with  Portrait),  Canvass 
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les Ellet,  Jr.  (with  Portrait),  Samuel  Forier,  William  Stuart  Watson,  John 
A.  Roebling. 


Alexander's  Dictionary  of  Weights 
and  Measures. 

8vo.     Cloth.     $3.50. 

TJNIVEESAL  DICTIONAEY  OF  WEIGHTS  AND  MEAS- 
URES, Ancient  and  Modern,  reduced  to  the  standards  of  the 
United  States  of  America.  By  J.  H.  Alexander.  New  edition. 
1  vol. 

"  As  a  standard  work  of  reference,  this  book  should  be  in  every  library- ;  i  t 
is  one  which  we  have  long-  wanted,  and  it  will  save  much  trouble  and  re- 
search."— Scientific  American. 


Gouge  on  Ventilation. 

Third  Edition  Enlarged. 

8vo.     Cloth.    $2.00. 
NEW  SYSTEM  OF  VENTILATION,  which  has  been  thoroughly 
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Henry  A.  Gouge,  with  many  illustrations. 


40  SCIENTIFIC  llOOKH  PUBLISHED  BY 

Saeltzer's  Acoustics. 

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Saeltzer. 

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paid.  The  author's  theory  is,  that,  by  bestowing  proper  care  upon  the  point 
of  Acoustics,  the  requisite  ventilation  will  be  obtained,  and  mce  versa. — 
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Myer's  Mannal  of  Signals. 

Netv  Edition,    Enlarged. 

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TK    VAX  XOSTRAND.  41 

Hunt's  Designs  for  Central  Park 
Gateways. 

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Tinted  paper. 

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PORTRAIT  GALLERY  OE  THE  WAR,  CIVIL,  MILITARY 
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One  Law  in  Nature « 

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Identity  of  Matter,  and  its  ^lultiple  Atom  Constitution,  applied 
to  the  Physical  Affections  or  Modea  of  Energy. 


42  WIKXTIFKJ  BOOKS  JU liLJSIJElJ  BJ 


Ernst's    Manual  of  Military   En- 
gineering. 

198  Wood  Cuts  and  Z  Lithographed  Plates.     12mo.     Cloth.     $o.OO. 

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ING. Prepared  for  the  use  of  the  Cadets  of  the  U.  S.  Military 
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Corps   of  Engineers,  Instructor  in.  Practical  Military  Engi- 
neering, U.  S.  Military  Academy. 


CliTircli's    Metallurgical    Journey. 

24  Illustrations.     8vo.     Cloth.     $2.00. 

NOTES      OF     A      METALLURGICAL     JOURNEY      IN 
EUROPE.     Bv  Joiix  A.  Church,  Engineer  of  Mines. 


Blake's    Precious    Metals. 

8vo.  Cloth.  $2.00. 
REPORT  UPON  THE  PRECIOUS  METALS  :  Being  Statisti- 
cal Notices  of  the  principal  Gold  and  Silyer  2:)roducing  regions 
of  the  World.  Represented  at  the  Paris  Uniyersal  Exposi- 
tion. By  William  P.  Blake,  Commissioner  from  the  State 
of  California. 


Olevenger's  Surveying. 

Illustrated  Pocket  Form.     Morocco  Gilt.     $2.50. 

A  TREATISE  ON  THE  METHOD  OF  GOVERNMENT 
SURVEYING,  as  jirescribed  by  the  United  States  Congress, 
and  Commissioner  of  the  General  Land  Office.  With  com- 
plete Mathematical,  Astronomical  and  Practical  Instrnctions. 
for  the  use  of  the  Ignited  States  Suryeyors  in  the  Field,  and 
Students  who  contemplate  engaging  in  the  business  of  Public 
Land  Suryeying.  By  S.  R.  Cleyej^-ger,  U.  S.  Deputy  Sur- 
yeyor.  ^ 

"The  reputation  of  the  author  as  a  surveyor  guarantees  an  exhaustive 
treatise  on  this  sabject." — Dakota  Bcpister. 

"  Purveyors  have  long:  needed  a  text-book  of  this  description. — Tho  Press. 


1).  va:s  nostraj^jx 


Bow  on  Braoing. 

156  Illustrations  on  Stone.     8vo.     Clotb.     $1.50. 

A  TREATISE  ON  BKACING,  with  its  application  to  Bridges 
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Bow,  C.  E. 


Howard's  Earthwork  Mensuration. 

8vo.     Illastrated.     Clotli.     $1.50. 

EARTHWORK  MENSURATIOX  OX  THE  BASTS  OE 
THE  PRISMOIDAL  FORMULAE.  Containing  simple  and 
labor-saving  method  of  obtaining  Prismoidal  Contents  direct- 
ly from  End  Areas.  Illustrated  by  Examples,  and  accom- 
panied by  Plain  Rules  for  practical  nses.  By  Co.N'Way  R. 
HowAiiD,  Civil  Engineer,  Richmond,  Va. 


McAlpine's   Modern   Engineering. 

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MODERN"  EXGIjS^EERIXG.    A  Lecture  delivered  at  the  Amer- 
ican  Institute  in  Is"ew  York.     Bv  WillIzVM  J.  McAlpixe. 


Mowbray's  Tri-Nitro-Glyoerine. 

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TRI-NTrRO-GLYCERIXE,  as  applied  in  the  Iloosac  Tunnel, 
und  to  Submarine  Blasting,  Torpedoes,  Quarrying,  etc.  Being 
the  resnlt  of  six  years'  ol^servation  and  jtractice  during  the 
manufacture  of  five  hundred  thousaud  pounds  of  this  explo- 
sive, ^lica  Blasting  Powder,  Dynamites;  with  an  account  of 


U  SCIENTIFIC  BOOKS  PUBLISHED  BV 


the  yarioiis  Systems  of  Blasting  Ly  Electricity,  Priming  Com- 
poniids.  Explosives,  etc.,  etc.  By  George  M.  Mowbray, 
Openitivo  Cliemist,  with  thirteen  illustrations,  tables,  and 
appendix.     Third  Edition,     lie-wj-itten. 


Wanklyn's   Milk   Analysis, 

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luILK  AXALYSIS.  A  Practical  Treatise  on  the  Examination 
of  Milk,  and  its  DeriYatives,  Cream,  Butter  and  Cheese.  By 
J.  Alfred  Yn^ajs^klyx,  M.  P.  C.  S. 


Toner's  Dictionary  of  Elevations, 

Svo.     Paper,  §3.00.     Clotli,  $3.75. 

DICl^^OXAPY  OF  ELEVATIO^^S  AXD  CLIMATIC  EEG- 
ISTEP  OF  THE  UJ^sITED  STATES..  Containing,  in  addi- 
tion to  Elevations,  the  Latitude,  Mean  Annual  Temperature, 
and  the  total  Annual  Eain  Fall  of  many  localities ;  with  a 
brief  Introd action  on  the  Orographic  and  Physical  Peculiari- 
ties of  North  America.     By  J.  M.  Toxer,  M.  D. 


Adams.    Sewers  and  Drains, 

{lii  Press.) 

SEWEES  AXD  DEAIXS    FOE    POPULOUS  DISTEICTS, 

Embracing  Eules  and  Formulas  for  the  dimensions  of  Sani- 
tary Engineers.  By  Julius  Y\.  Ada^is.  Chief  Engineer  of  the 
Board  of  Citv  Works,  Brooklvn. 


D,    VAN  ?70STRAXD.  45 

Prescott's  Proximate  Organic 
Analysis. 

12mo.  Cloth.  $1.75. 
OUTLIIS^ES  OF  PROXIMATE  ORGAOTC  ANALYSIS 
for  the  Identification,  Separation,  and  QuantitatiTe  Deter- 
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pounds. By  Albert  B.  Prescott,  Professor  of  Organic 
and  Applied  Chemistry  in  the  Uniyersity  of  Michigan. 


Prescott's  Alcoholic  Liquors. 

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QUORS. A  Manual  of  the  Constituents  of  the  Distilled 
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Qualitative  and  Quantitatiye  Determinations.  By  Albert 
B.  Prescott,  Professor  of  Organic  and  Applied  Chemistry 
in  the  L^niversity  of  Michigan. 


Greene's  Bridge  Trusses.     .. 

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GRAPHICAL  METHOD  FOR  THE  ANALYSIS  OF 
BRIDGE  TRUSSES,  extended  to  Continuous  Girders 
and  Draw  Spans.  By  Charles  E.  Greexe^  A.M.,  Pro- 
fessor of  Civil  Engineering,  L^niversity  of  Michigan.  Illus- 
trated by  three  folding  plates. 


Butler's  Projectiles  and  Rifled 
Cannon. 

4to.     32  Plates.     Cloth.    In  press. 
PROJECTILES   AND    RIFLED    CANNOX.      A   Critical 

Discussion  of  the  Principal  Systems  of  Rifling  and  Projec- 
tiles, with  Practical  Suggestions  for  their  Improvement,  as 
embraced  in  a  Report  to  the  Chief  of  Ordnance,  U.S.A.  By 
Capt.  Jonx  S.  Butler^  Ordnance  Corps,  L^.S.A. 


40  SCIEXCi:  SEE  IE S  PUBLISHED  BY 


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Price,  50  Cents  Each. 
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CHIMNEYS     FOR     FUEXACES,     FIEE-PLACES,    AXD 
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STEAM  BOILEE  EXPLOSIONS.    By  Zekah  Colburx. 

3- 

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4- 
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ChAeles  E.  Bexder,  C.  E.     With  Illnstrations. 

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e. 
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tions. 

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IXG  WALLS.     By  James  S.  Tate,  C.  E. 

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e« 

FUEL.     By  C.  W.  Siemens  to  which  is  appended  the  Value  of 
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*^^  Other  works  in  preparation. 


D.    VAX  XOSTRAND.  47 


lO. 
COMPOUND  ENGINES.      Translated  from  the  Erencli  of 
A.  Mallet.      Illustrated. 


n. 
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13. 
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E  norland. 


14= 

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48  D.  VA^^  ^^OST^.Al^'D. 


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